Carlisle United

Carlisle United are a professional Football team based in Cumbria, England. They currently play in the Sky Bet League Two, the fourth division of English Football. Playing their home games out of Brunton Park in front of a maximum attendance of 17,949, they are based just nine miles south of the Scottish border, rendering them the most northern side in the EFL.

Throughout their history 'The Blues' have spent just one solitary season in the top flight during the 74/75 season, with their league status being shared largely between the 3rd and 4th Division. Most recently, Carlisle were promoted out of League Two in the 2022/23 season via the play-offs, before falling back down last season finishing 24th on just 30 points. Check out The Real EFL to find out more.

Carlisle United Updates

Carlisle have had a weak start to this season so far, finding themselves 23rd after fourteen matches in the bottom flight, having also been knocked out of the FA Cup and EFL League Cup in the opening rounds. This poor start has led to the departure of their promotion-winning manager Paul Simpson at the end of August, who was replaced initially by Mark Birch, Steven Rudd and Jamie Devitt on an interim basis, then permanently by current first team manager Mike Williamson. This season has been a difficult one on the injury front for Williamson's side with Captain and striker Charlie Wyke set to be out for the rest of the season, and midfielder Georgie Kelly yet to be available under their new manager. Players such as Callum Guy, Dylan McGeough and Harrison Biggins have had periods on the sideline.

Carlisle United Transfer News and Rumors

The rumour mill around Brunton Park is somewhat quiet at the moment with limited talk of any incoming or outgoings for the team, despite looking set for a relegation scrap as we approach the one third of the season mark. On a positive note for The Blues, Monday November 4th, marked the first day in the office for ex-Man City and Rangers man Rob Clarkson as the new Sporting Director at the club. Clarkson has no doubt got plans to assess the squad at Williamson's disposal and look to make changes that can see the side climb further up the table in 2025.

Carlisle United Signings

Following relegation last season, the Cumbrians have seen some significant squad churn as key players such as Alfie McCalmont, Jordan Gibson and Jack Armer departing the club. Some of their key arrivals this season include Archie Davis from Dundalk FC, Charlie Wyke from Wigan and Dominic Sadi on loan from Premier League Bournemouth. All their departures left for undisclosed fees with Archie Davis being the only incoming that costed the club.

Player	Age	Nationality	Left	Fee (Euros)	Contract Duration
Archie Davies	25	English	Dundalk League of Ireland Premier Division	75,000,000	2 Year(s)
Tyler Burey	23	English	Odense BK Denmark 1. Division	Free	1 Year(s)
Cameron Harper	22	Scottish	Inverness CT Scottish League One	Free	3 Year(s)
Jordan Jones	29	Northern Irish	Wigan EFL League One	Free	3 Year(s)
Ethan Robson	27	English	MK Dons EFL League Two	Free	2 Year(s)
Ben Williams	25	Welsh	Cheltenham EFL League Two	Free	1 Year(s)
Charlie Wyke	31	English	Wigan EFL League One	Free	2 Year(s)
Terell Thomas	28	St Lucian	Charlton EFL League One	Free	2 Year(s)
Aaron Hayden	27	English	Wrexham EFL League One	Free	2 Year(s)
Jude Smith	21	Scottish	Newcastle United Premier League	Free	2 Year(s)
Harrison Biggins	28	English	Shrewsbury EFL League One	Loan	1 year (loan)
Dominic Sadi	20	English	Bournemouth Premier League	Loan	1 year (loan)
Daniel Adu-Adjei	19	English	Bournemouth Premier League	Loan	1 year (loan)

Carlisle United Key Matches of the Season

Being largely set apart from the rest of the country, Carlisle United are not rich in historical local derbys, particularly with the current league standings of sides such as Preston North End and Middlesbrough, two teams that Blues fans have called their biggest rivals. Since their return to the football league, fellow Cumbrian side Barrow were no doubt a fixture that Carlisle supporters will have looked for upon the fixture releases. In addition to these games, fellow relegation candidates will be real six-pointers in the side's bid to stay in the EFL.

With a difficult start to the season, every point could prove key for the Cumbrians between now and May, however local derbies, strong away supported teams and fellow relegation candidates will likely prove to be the most pivotal of the 2024/25 season.

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Carlisle United Key Achievements

As previously mentioned the league standing of Carlisle United has been somewhat tumultuous, with highs of the Premier League and lows dropping out of the Football League altogether, the Cumbrian faithful have an array of achievements and successes to celebrate:

• Most Successful side in the Cumberland Senior Cup (29 wins) - The Cumbrians are the rightfully crowned most successful team in this cup, held by the Cumberland Football Association, it is a competition open to any team whose first affinity is with the CFA. As the only professional side in the competition since 1977, with the relegation of current champions Workington, Carlisle have been dominant in the competition despite mostly fielding a reserve side.
• Second Divison Promotion 1973 - 1947 - This season marked the only promotion for Carlisle United to the English First Division, a league they spent just the one season in. Having finished third they secured themselves a position in the top-flight for the 1974/1975 season.
• National (Conference) League Play-Off Winners 2005 - This season's Play-Off triumph marked a return to the Football League for Carlisle, where they have able to remain ever since.
• League Two Champions 2006 - The Following season the Blues secured back to back promotions with a title winning season in which they amassed 86 points, across 25 wins and 11 draws.
• League Two Play-Off Winners 2023 - This Play-Off final win marked a huge moment in Carlisle United recent history, returning them to the third flight of the EFL. Having lost the opening game 1-0 to Bradford City away from home, they came back to win 3-1 in the return leg (3-2 Agg), before gaining promotion via penalties. Carlisle scored all 5 penalties at Wembley Stadium in front of a crowd of 34,000 people.

Carlisle United Current Squad

The current Carlisle United squad is made up of 28 Senior Players with a combined squad value of €5.13mil (according to TransferMarkt), with an average age of 26.1, the squad consists of 3 Goalkeepers, 10 Defenders, 8 Midfielders and 7 Attackers.

Carlisle United Attackers

The Carlisle attacking unit have contributed 50% of the club's 12 goals in the league this season, with their two main strikers, Charlie Wyke and Luke Armstrong, each scoring two goals so far. Daniel Adu-Adjei and winger Dominic Sadi both share a goal a piece, with the rest of the attacking squad including Georgie Kelly, Tyler Burey and Jordan Jones yet to contribute in their more limited game time.

Carlisle United Midfielders

The centre of the pitch has seen a lot of change across the season for the Blues with six different players receiving 200+ minutes in the league. Harrison Neal has been the most commonly chosen option in the midfield, with Josh Vela, Callum Guy and Harrison Biggins largely filling the position next to Neal. With the club yet to settle on a midfield pairing so far this season, solidity in the centre of the park is certainly an area of improvement.

Carlisle United Defenders

Carlisle have struggled defensively this season, having conceded a large amount of goals across many of their opening games. Whilst Jon Mellish and Sam Lavelle have contributed with two goals each on the other end of the field, alongside either Terrell Thomas or Aaron Hayden in a back three, they are yet to find strength defensively. The full-back positions have seen a number of players tested with Archie Davies and Cameron Harper the go-to pair.

Carlisle United Goalkeepers

Carlisle United shot-stopper Harry Lewis has conceded 28 league goals in 14 games (as of 08/11/24) averaging a save percentage of just 50%. Lewis has played every game of the league campaign and proved a mainstay in the Cumbrian's goal, however, shot-stopping performances could improve if the side are indeed to claw themselves out of the relegation picture.

Carlisle United Manager and Coaching Staff

As National League North Manager of the Season 2022 with Gateshead Mike Williamson has made a quick and strong start to his relatively short managerial career so far, and is now in charge of Carlisle United. Assistant manager duo Chris Bell and Ian Watson have followed Williamson from Milton Keynes Dons, with interim managers Jamie Devitt and Steven Rudd remaining a part of the coaching staff.

Mike Williamson

As previously mentioned, Williamson started his managerial career in 2019 with Gateshead in the National League North, a league he went on to win with this club a few seasons later. He left Gateshead in October 2023, with them sitting 6th in the National League, to join League Two side Milton Keynes Dons, who he rescued from the relegation picture landing them a fourth-place play-off finish, losing in the Semi-Final 8-1 to Crawley Town over the two legs. The 41-year-old assumed the post at Carlisle United on September 19th, 2024, this season as he looks to repeat the job he achieved at MK Dons.

Chris Bell and Ian Watson

Both Assistant Managers at Carlisle United have followed the head coach Williamson for all three of his managerial posts so far in his career, and have held the roles of assistant managers during all three tenures. These roles are Watson's only gigs in professional Football coaching, whilst Bell was a Physiotherapist at Blyth Spartans for 5 seasons.

Jamie Devitt and Steven Rudd

As with the other Assistant Management pair, Devitt and Rudd's coaching careers mirror one another, with both having spent a single season at fellow Cumbrian side Workington AFC before moving to Carlisle United this season. Following their spell in charge of the club on an interim basis this season, they have returned to their roles as Assistant Managers at the club under Williamson.

Carlisle United Former Managers and Key Coaches

Carlisle United Manager Mike Williamson is the 5th manager(s) a the helm at Brunton Park since the departure of Chris Beech in October 2021. It was a period that had seen them win just one honour in the form of an EFL League Two Play-Off Final win. Of these previous five, two are acting as caretaker managers and only one has lasted the full length of a season.

• Mark Birch, Steven Rudd and Jamie Devitt - As previously mentioned this trio took charge of the club following the dismissal of previous manager Paul Simpson. They steered the ship for just two league matches, losing both.
• Paul Simpson - As the only manager in this list to reach a full-season in charge Simpson's career at Carlisle can be defined as a success just on that. However, with a play-off final win to add to a 2006 League Two title in his first stint at the club, Simpson is one of the Blues most successful managers.
• Keith Millen - As the other permanent manager in this list, Millen had a difficult time at Carlisle, lasting just four months before leaving by mutual consent with the club sitting in the relegation positions, 23rd in the league.
• Gavin Skelton - In Skelton's second spell as caretaker manager at the club, the ex-Carlisle player managed three games at the club, losing one and drawing two, before being replaced.

Carlisle United Legends

Since their 1904 conception, the Cumbrians have had a raft of notable players apply their trade at Brunton Park.

Hughie McIlmoyle

Scottish centre-forward Hughie McIlmoyle played 174 times for Carlisle, during the 60s and 70s, scoring a total of 76 goals across three stints. His headed goal-scoring knack has been commemorated with a statue outside Brunton Park to celebrate 100 years of Carlisle.

Matt Jansen

Cumbrian local and Carlisle youth graduate Matt Jansen played 42 times for the Blues, scoring 10. These goals earned his side promotion to the Second Division and a 1997 Football League Trophy win. Jansen went on to sign for Blackburn Rovers in the Premer League, only missing out on an England call-up through a stomach bug.

Alan Ashman

Alan Ashman managed the club on two occasions, but most notably notched 98 goals in 214 appearances for Carlisle between 1951 and 1957.

Peter Beardsley

Former England Captain, English transfer fee record holder and Newcastle Manager Peter Beardsley picked up 104 appearances for Carlisle at the start of his career, netting 22 times.

John Gorman

An ever-present member of Carlisle's solitary First Division season, John Gorman arrived from Celtic in 1970 and played an impressive 229 times at the back for Carlisle.

Dean Walling

To raise this impressive appearance feat, Dean Walling played 236 times at the back for Carlisle, scoring 22 times. Walling was a Saint Kitts and Nevis international and 1997 Football League Trophy Winner.

Jimmy Glass

Goalkeeper Jimmy Glass played just 3 times when on loan at Carlisle, but goes down as a club legend and a member of the club's Hall of Fame after scoring the last-minute goal that kept the Blues in the Football League in 1999.

Rory Delap

Barclays Premier League icon, Rory Delap is a Carlisle United youth player and played 65 times for the Cumbrian side, bagging seven goals in the process. Delap went on to play in the Premier League most notably for Stoke where he was famed for his textbook long throw.

Carlisle United Team Metrics and Performance

This season so far, Carlisle United have played 14 games (at the time of writing), picking up two wins and two draws to land them on 8 points. They have scored 12 goals and conceded a league-high 28 so far this season. The Cumbrians have managed just two points from their last five (LLDLD) including a heavy loss away to AFC Wimbledon.

Last season Carlisle finished rock-bottom of League One with only 30 points collected across the course of the 46-game season. On their current season's form, they are projected to finish on an even lower number of points averaging just 0.5 points per game.

Goalkeeper Harry Lewis has managed to keep his sheet clean on three occasions so far this season, with two of those coming under new manager Mike Williamson, who is averaging a marginally healthier 0.625 points per game.

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Carlisle United Pitch and Amenities

Brunton Park has been the home of Carlisle United since 1909, with a current maximum capacity of 17,949. With a once-maximum capacity of 27,500, Brunton Park still remains the biggest stadium in England with traditional terracing.

The stadium is made up of the Paddock (West Stand) where the changing rooms and media facilities are located. The famous Warwick Road End, the Andrew Jenkins Stand (East Stand) and the Waterworks (Petteril) End which houses the stadium's only scoreboard and usually remains closed unless under instances of extra large crowds.

Brunton Park has a natural grass playing surface, which has withstood two separate floods in 2005 and 2015.

Carlisle United Fan Base and Support

Carlisle United, as the most northern team in the football league, find themselves in a position of huge travelling for away games across the season. Despite this the Cumbrians averaged the 9th highest average away attendance in League One last season, bringing over 1000 fans on average to each game.

The Carlisle United Supporters Trust are the main fan group of Carlisle United and their website can be found here.

Carlisle United Rivarlies and Notable Matches

Carlisle United's main rivals this season are fellow Cumbrian side Barrow, a team they lost 1-0 to earlier in the season and are set to play in the away leg on the 1st March 2025.

In addition to this Football League clubs of reasonable proximity such as Preston, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough have been singled out as the biggest rivals of Carlisle by their supporters.

Carlisle United Facts

Carlisle United History

Since its founding in 1904, Carlisle United have climbed the English Football pyramid from the Lancashire Combination League up to the First Division. In its 120-year history, its most notable honours include: Second Division Promotion (1973-74), Third Divison Champions (1964-65), Fourth Division/League Two Champions (1994-95 and 2005-2006) and two times Football League Trophy Winners (1996-97 and 2010-11).

Paul Simpson has been at the forefront of much of the club's recent success, with a 2004-05 promotion out of the Conference (National) League, then a League Two Title the following year. Simpson then again secured Carlisle's promotion to the EFL League One in the 2022-23 season following a play-off win versus Stockport County.

Whilst the club currently resides in the EFL League Two, and this season sees the club struggling for league position following relegation the season prior, the recent success in reaching League One spells out hope for the Cumbrian outfit to be able to recapture that form and begin to once again challenge towards the top end of the League Two table and towards League One. All of this hope however rests upon successfully navigating themselves out of a relegation scrap this season, in order to build onto bigger and better things.

Carlisle United Social Media Links

With the move away from traditional media, it is integral for the modern football fan to follow their club's online presence and social media in order to follow everything to do with their chosen club. Carlisle United can be found on X (formerly Twitter) and their Club Website.

Carlisle United Outlook and Forecast

I predict a difficult season for Carlisle United this season as they look to deal with their current poor league position. With the appointment of Mike Williamson and Sporting Director Rob Clarkson, the Cumbrians are likely going to look to attack the January Window in order to maintain their place in the Football League. I expect they will dip heavily into the loan market to add to their three current loanees and bolster their squad, perhaps using Rob Clarkson's links with Manchester City, Sunderland and Rangers.

Frequently Asked Questions on Carlisle United Football Club

How much would it cost to buy Carlisle United Football Club?

Carlisle United are worth an estimated €5 million according to Transfermarkt.

What are Carlisle United fans called?

The Blue Army.

What league is Carlisle United in today?

League Two.

What is the capacity of Carlisle United stadium

17,949.

Who owns Carlisle United FC?

Castle Sports Group, a company owned by the Piatak family.

Is Carlisle United a big club?

Carlisle are a relatively small club in the EFL.

Where to watch Carlisle United FC?

Carlisle are next on Television on February 27th on Sky Sports Football in the UK.