In The Hot Seat: Carlisle

Last updated : 23 October 2009 By moorlad

How long have you supported Carlisle?

Supported them since my Dad took me as a 6 year old, so about 40 years now.

How did you fare last season?

We were awful and escaped relegation only on the last day with a couple of super strikes against Millwall.

What is your present squad like?

Squad is better than last season except for up front, (although Vincent Pericard may change that), new keeper is good and strong in midfield.


How do you think you are doing this season?


I'm surprised to see we're struggling almost as badly as last year, with what, as I said previously,
seems to be a stronger squad on paper.

Favourite player in present team and why?

Peter Murphy (although he's on the bench mostly), because of his service to the club.

Which youngster has made the biggest impression in your team this season?


Tom Taiwo, (on loan from Chelsea), is superb.

What's your manager like and will he still be there at the end of the season?

Greg Abbott, is shocking, and if he's still with us at the end of the season we'll be relegated.

Are you happy with your chairman/backroom staff?

They are trying their best, but we've very little spare cash, although what little we do have is being given to the manager. So they're not too bad, but must remove the manager.

Favourite ever player and why?

So many; Ray Train, Stan Bowles, Hugh McIlmoyle, but best to watch was Peter Beardsley, wonderful skills.

Best ever Carlisle game seen?

Beating Everton in the '74/5 season, even my dad was delighted.

Best place to have a pint before the game?

Depends what you want but I find the Rugby Club to have the best atmosphere particularly for away fans.

The Beehive gets packed but food is ok, the Wetherspoons bars are fine but too far away, the Lint is a very decent proper pub not too far from the ground.

Which team do you want to beat the most and why?

Over the past couple of years we've developed a friendly rivalry with Leeds and some of their fans, so that's a game I look forward to, and we've done ok against them.

Favourite away ground and why?

Lincoln City, because of friends down there.

Predict your champions and runners-up, the four play-off teams and the four to go down


Champions: Leeds.

Runners up: Charlton.

Play-offs: Norwich, MK Dons, Huddersfield, Colchester.

Relegation: Wycombe, Tranmere, Exeter and Stockport.