Carlisle United

Carlisle United is an English professional football club based in Carlisle (Cumbria, North West England), which plays in the National League, the fourth tier of the Great Britain football league system. In this article, we will discuss its history, leading players, and home stadium.

History of Carlisle United

The history of Carlisle United began on 17 May 1904. The club plays in England's League Two alongside another football club, Port Vale. The nickname ‘The Cumbrians’ is often used among fans. The decision to found FC Carlisle was made at a meeting of the management of Shaddongate United Football Club, the predecessor of Carlisle United. Club members voted to change the name to Carlisle United. Initially based at Milhome Bank, the club later moved to Devonshire Park and then to Brunton Park in 1909.

In 1928, Carlisle Football Club joined the Football League Third Division North. In 1962–1963, it won the Third Division North. In 1994–1995, it was promoted to the Second Division. In 1974, it reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

Football fans note that Cufc's matches against Forest Green Rovers are particularly exciting. They often meet in official British League Two matches.

The club's official colours are blue and white.

Club achievements

In the 1964–1965 season, the club won the Third Division. Other achievements of F.C. Carlisle United include:

1. Participation in the First Division (England's top division) in the 1974–75 season.
2. 4th place in the Second Division (now the Championship) in the 1973/74 season.
3. Victory in the Fourth Division (League Two) in the 1994/95 and 2017/18 seasons
4. Reaching the quarter-finals of the FA Cup in the 1974/75 season.
5. Victory in the EFL Trophy (League Cup for the lower divisions) in the 1996/97 season.

Club management

The club is owned by Castle Sports Group, an investment holding company from the USA. The main owners are the Tom Piatak family. In addition to them, 10% of the shares are held by a group of fans, Carlisle United Supporters' Trust (CUST).

The management team is as follows:

1. Chairman – Tom Piatak.
2. Board member – Patty Piatak.
3. Board member – Tom Piatak II.
4. Board member – Jenna Piatak DeMasi.
5. Board member – Alice Piatak.
6. Board member – Nick DeMasi.
7. Chief Executive Officer – Nigel Clibbens.
8. Chief Financial Officer – Suzanne Kidd.
9. Head of Football Operations – Marc Tierney.
10. Head Coach – Mark Hughes (appointed 6 February 2025).

Team Roster

The main roster includes the most experienced players.

Among the best players in the club's history is striker Alan Taylor (1970–1974). He was named top scorer in the 1973/74 season and helped the club gain promotion to the First Division.

Another notable player is midfielder Chris Balderstone (1963–1974), a versatile player who often played as a goalkeeper. He was also a keen cricketer and helped the team win promotion to the Third and Second Divisions.

Goalkeeper Tony Caig shone from 1991 to 2001. The legendary goalkeeper was the team's captain for many years and a pillar of stability.

George Walker was a midfielder who played for the club in the 1960s. He was one of the best strikers of his time and showed real leadership qualities on the pitch.

The record holder for the number of matches played for the club is midfielder Greg Abbott. He played for Carlisle United from 1984 to 1996. For a long time, he held the title of captain.

The key forward of the team during its ‘golden era’ was striker Rod Thomas (1968-1976). Thanks to his successes, the club was able to rise to the First Division.

In the 1960s and 1970s, defender Peter Murphy was renowned for his reliable play. The footballer was part of Carlisle United from 1960 to 1975.

Ian Harte is a legendary midfielder (defender) who played for the club in the 2007–2008 season. He played in the Premier League and made a significant contribution to Carlisle United's success at the start of his career with the club.

Greg Strong is a defender (1994–2003), a regular player in defence who was awarded the captain's armband.

Carlisle United Stadium

Brunton Park has been Carlisle United's home stadium since 1909.

The sports arena is located at Warwick Road, Carlisle, Cumbria, postcode CA1 1LL. It has a capacity of 17,949 spectators. The pitch is covered with natural grass. In 1953, a fire broke out in the wooden stands, caused by faulty electrical wiring.

After that, one of the premises was rebuilt.

The stadium is divided into four sectors: Warwick Road End, East Stand, Main (West) Stand and Petteril End. Petteril End is used infrequently, only when there is a large influx of fans.

Brunton Park is one of the largest stadiums in Great Britain with traditional standing areas.

In 2005 and 2015, the arena experienced severe flooding. The club was forced to play matches at other stadiums. Since 2023, the new management has been actively investing in the renovation of the arena: repairing the East Stand, Warwick Road End and other parts.

The stadium is located 1.1–1.5 miles from junction 43 of the M6 motorway, along Warwick Road. Carlisle Station is only 1–1.2 miles from Brunton Park, which can be covered on foot.

Season statistics

Check out the club's statistics for the 2024-2025 season.

Website

YouTube

Instagram

TikTok

Facebook

Twitter

Frequently asked questions