Carlisle United overview

INTRO:

Carlisle United F.C were founded 129 years ago in 1896 situated in Cumbria where they were originally called Shaddongate United before the club’s members voted to change the team’s name to Carlisle United in 1904. Shortly after in 1909, they had a place to call their home called Brunton Park which remains to be their home ground to this day. The club first entered the Lancashire Combination and won Division Two the following year after joining the league system. As for their more recent history, Carlisle have most commonly occupied the lower tiers of the English football pyramid and were crowed champions of the fourth tier in 1994/95 but were relegated the following season.

Their 76-year stay in the Football League came to an end with relegation in 2003/04 with a brief visit to the Conference National before player-manger Paul Simpson carried the Blues back to where they belong after coming out on top in the play-off final against Stevenage. The success was there to stay at Brunton Park in the early 2000’s securing back-to-back promotions after winning League Two in 2005/06 and subsequently stayed in the third tier 8 years before facing the drop in 2013/14.

Carlisle’s goal was to reach the heights of League One again and after flirting with a couple of chances to be promoted, they did just that in 2022/23, but last season was one to forget for the Blues finishing 24th place and on track to do the same this campaign if not for a turn in results. An accolade that the newly appointed Mark Hughes will not want for himself or the club.

MANAGER: MARK HUGHES

Carlisle appointed the former Wales and Man United man as their head coach back in February in replace of Mike Williamson who got sacked off the back of the club sitting bottom of League Two.

With 18 games of the season remaining when Hughes took charge of the Blues, he has been given a mountain to climb to keep the club from being relegated to the National League. With the club still taking up last place in League Two and the threat of relegation on the cards, Hughes side need to make an almost instant impact under his management.

After managing six different clubs in the Premier League as well as the Wales national team and a well-renowned playing career, Hughes has been out of work since being sacked as Bradford City manager in October 2023. He spent 18 months at Bradford and led them to 6th position before being beaten in the League Two play-offs by his new side Carlisle.

3 KEY PLAYERS:

Sam Lavelle:

Lavelle joined the Blues on a two-year deal in the summer of 2023 and has cemented his position as a regular starter in the Carlisle backline after making all 46 league appearances last season and has continued his good form for the club especially in the final third, finding the net four times from defence this season.

Born in Blackpool, Lavelle began his youth career at Blackburn rovers where he settled for 12 years before moving to Bolton Wanderers in 2016. The Scotland international has spent most of his playing career at Morecambe, making 165 appearances in four seasons for the Shrimps and earning the captain’s armband and promotion to the third tier in 2021.

Since his success with Morecambe, Lavelle has had an unfortunate time with injuries that have limited his game time at Charlton and Burton. However, after regaining his form playing for the Blues, he is a vital part in the hopes of achieving League Two survival.

Gabriel Breeze:

Goalkeeper Gabriel Breeze came through the Carlisle academy and signed a two-year professional deal with the club whilst halfway through his scholarship programme which will keep him at Brunton Park until the summer of 2027. After impressing in the academy system, the 21-year-old has progressed quickly, earning his place in the first team as their first choice between the sticks.

Having made four league appearances last season, the local lad has started 15 games this season to this point including game winning performances against Salford and Accrington making four saves in each.

Despite having a tough season with Blues due to their disappointing league position, Breeze has shown signs that he is one for the future earning his side some vital points in the aim of keeper Carlisle in the Football League.

Joe Hugill:

Joe Hugill signed for the Blues on loan from Premier League giants Manchester United in the January transfer window until the end of the season. The 21-year-old began his youth career at Newcastle United and Sunderland before making the move to Manchester at the age of 16.

After shining in the Manchester United youth team, he’s earnt himself loan spells at Altrincham, Burton and Wigan before finding his new home in Carlisle. During his time with Wigan in the first half of the season, the youngster scored five goals in 18 appearances and has looked to hit the ground running netting his first Carlisle goal in a heavy defeat against Swindon.

Hugill has made 43 competitive appearances in his senior career including scoring for The Red Devils in a 2-0 friendly win over Rangers in Edinburgh.