This is (I think) an old Chinese curse, which someone must have placed collectively on all Carlisle United fans. It is the only reason I can think of for fighting 4 relegation battles in 5 years. Oh, unless it has something to do with mis-management. But with Ian Atkins in place, hopefully this year will not see another relegation battle.
Cetainly, the pre-season matches were uninspiring, but we should not read anything into this. Ian Atkins has virtually started from scratch and rightly used these games to view as many potential players as possible. While we were all probably getting a little nervous at the lack of signings, it must be remembered the miracle he nearly achieved at Chester City last season and the virtually empty cupboard with which he started his reign here at Carlisle. Atkins' short reign has, however, finally produced some signings:
Mark Birch
Tony Carss
Julian Darby
Carl Heggs
Tony Hemmings
Craig McAughtrie
Jamie Squires
Ian Stevens
Mark Winstanley
I hope to have more information included in the squad biographies before the end of August.
I have to admit to be being fairly confident about our chances this season. I believe we will be in the top half of the table by the end of the season, provided that Ian Atkins is left to do his job. However, with the squad fairly new to each other I would not be surprised to see us in the bottom three after 6 or 7 games.
What I would hope is that we fans are patient with him and the players, and give our unwavering support at the games. I know we have had little reason to give unconditional support over recent years, but I think that for the period up to Christmas that is exactly what we must do. Ian Atkins was quoted as saying that the CUFC fans can be intimidating to visiting teams, so in the words of Jean Luc Picard, let's "make it so".
Look out next month for my review of "Singin' The Blues", a new book about one man's Carlisle United supporting life by Neil Nixon.
And finally, for some light relief, have a read of this: The Dead Club Sketch (parody)
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