On 26 July 2002 the news was broken that Michael Knighton had sold Carlisle United to John Courtenay, subject to the agreement of the majority of creditors at the Creditors meeting on 2 August. The creditors did agree to this deal and so we woke up on 3 August 2002 with a new owner, but the same manager as in 2002.
On 31 July, JC and RC held an open forum for approximately 1750 fans at Brunton Park. The fans were sat in the East Stand overlooking an immaculate pitch. Many things were said, 99% of which met favour with the crowd. Click here to read a summary.
Whilst the past is the past and we should now look forward to a hopefully brighter future under John Courtenay and Roddy Collins, some of us may be asking the question What has Michael Knighton ever done for us? Well, it was a roller coaster ride with the Fat Controller, but there were good times. The question becomes, where did it go wrong? What was the defining point? Well, in an infinite multi-universe, there is an Alternate Universe where Carlisle United are a top-flight club, and it begins with Derek Mountfield being retained for the 1995/96 season. We then consolidate our position in Division 2 and finish mid-table as Mountfield helps to hold our defence together. Hey, it is my website, I can write whatever I like :-)
In the final week before JC took over, there were a couple of scary moments, including reports of MK saying "this is my best scam yet". Thankfully, we can now forget about MK and hopefully move on to better things. The first week after the announcement saw a massive number of season tickets being purchased as fans came forward to back the new regime and it is expected that the first game against Hartlepool could be a near sell out, and will be unless they get the East Stand open in time.
There are many people to thank for the departure of the Knightons, not least all the fans, the MPs, CCUIST.... I could go on, but won't. However, a special mention goes to fans of other clubs who joined us on the protest marches and who joined in the chants for change at home and away games.
Recently, we have seen the formation of the Carlisle United Supporters Club (Scandinavian Branch):
Gøran Henriksen
Carlisle United Supporters Club
Scandinavian Branch
Akkarfjordveien 20
9600 Hammerfest
Norway
web: www.maquemania.net/carlisle
mail: carlislescandinavia@hotmail.com
As many of you will know, I haven't had as much time to dedicate to this website as I would like and so this season I am again cutting back what I will be doing. In future, there will be only the monthly page and one-off special features. Look out for the completion of the Star Wars pages.
Finally, the The Eighth of May charity CD is still on sale (see below), but I have one copy to give away to the person who gives me the best explanation for what they think were the best and the worst moments under Michael Knighton. Email your answer, in no more than 200 words, to me at rioa@kynson.org.uk
Buy The Eighth of May charity CD & support CCUIST/Eden Valley Hospice! Send a cheque for £6 made payable to SB Dunn and post to:
The Shopkeeper PO Box 235 Carlisle CA1 2YB
Don't forget to give details of your name and address and how many copies you want. It's £5 for each CD, plus add £1 for postage and packing.
If you live outside of Carlisle this is the easiest way to order the single. If you live in Carlisle, the single is available from the Pink Panther shop in Chapel Street, from June 17 onwards. The Shopkeeper have already received advance orders for their single The Eighth of May but they need more! Proceeds are split 50:50 between CCUIST and the Eden Valley Hospice.
Stephen Dunn gave me a demo copy of the charity CD and it's a total classic. Three great tracks, all a little different and a surefire collector's item for all CUFC fans! Derek Lacey could rise to national prominence on the back of this performance!
Listen out for the sly reference to a certain person right at the start of the first track. The Dobie goal at Chester and Jimmy's winner v Plymouth are both featured plus some classic lyrics:
"Don't leave me in the dark, Don't kick me round the park, Don't break my Brunton heart..."
The three tracks are Eighth of May, Upfield and Glass Ball.
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