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August 1997


Forging boldly forward into a 2nd year

Well, as I said last month, this issue is later than normal due to the natural break between pre-season matches and the first match of our Division 2 campaign.

During the close-season rumours emerged about a potential "Phoenix Division". The rumours suggested that the richer clubs in the Nationwide League were considering breaking away to form a new 14 team division to act as a feeder division for the Premiereship. I must stress that this was rumour only, but if it is true it would cast doubt on the continued existence of clubs in the lower reaches.

There have been a couple of changes to the East Stand during the summer. There is now a permanent section for away fans, shelves for drinks in the lower concourse (something I had argued for with Mr K) and the removal of Cider from the bars. The last item upset me deeply :(

There have been several changes to the "player roster", the most shocking being the departure of Mr Hayward, but the pre-season looked promising with several good results. On departures, my light-hearted Conspiracy Theory occurred to me while I was watching the Falkirk friendly.

As for predictions for this year, well I reckon we'll end up about 9th and we'll have sold Stephane before the end of the season. I also think that some of the younger players will be sold at the end of the season, most likely Caig, Jansen and Varty.

Again, if anyone has any contributions or suggestions please feel free to email me at webmaster@kynson.org.uk.


Pre-season Review

Ins And Outs At Brunton Park
IN

Ian Stevens (Shrewsbury, £100 000)
Rob Bowman (Leeds, free)

OUT

Rod Thomas (free-to Chester)
Jamie Robinson (free-to Torquay)
Michael Hodgson (YTS)
Stephen Heath (free)
Paul Pettinger (free)
Steve Hayward (£175 000)
Paul Conway (free)

The main Carlisle United pre-season friendlies

Carlisle United 3 v 2 Falkirk
Carlisle United 3 v 3 Motherwell
Carlisle United 0 v 0 Sunderland
Ayr United 0 v 2 Carlisle United
St Mirren 0 v 1 Carlisle United

The players that impressed were
Richard Prokas (doing a good Darren Edmondson "Hard Man" impersonation),
Andy Couzens being superb in his invisibility,
Stephane Pounewatchy (as always),
Tony Caig (he just gets better and better).


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