We Take a look through the sides that we will come up against in League Two next season.
Who Are They?
Formed in 1904, Carlisle United are a Cumbrian football team who moved to Brunton Park in 1909 and that is where they still host matches today. During the 1974/75 season they featured in the First Division, making the City of Carlisle the smallest location, by population, to have a top-flight English football club since 1906. They have also reached the final of the Football League Trophy on six occasions which is a record, but they only came out winners twice in 1997 and 2011.
In recent years, the Cumbrians have bounced between League One and League Two, but they did lose their Football League status in 2004 after relegation to the Conference. However, at the first attempt, they won promotion back into League Two before following that up with a fourth tier title at the end of the 2005/06 season. An eight-year spell in League One then saw attendances spike, but they dropped back into the fourth tier in 2014.
How Did They Perform Last Season?
Under the stewardship of experienced manager Keith Curle, the Cumbrians jostled for promotion last season and they finished sixth to secure a spot in the play-offs. On the final day of the league season they edged past Exeter City, the team they would then face in the play-offs. However, in quite a remarkable two-legged affair, Carlisle were on the wrong end of a 6-5 aggregate scoreline and their hopes of returning to League One were quashed.
Away from the league, United reached the second round of every cup competition they were involved in. Their brief FA Cup run was ended by Rochdale, Derby County eliminated them from the EFL Cup and fellow League Two side Mansfield Town knocked them out of the Checkatrade Trophy.
Our Last Meeting:
Vale last played against Carlisle United in August 2016 as Bruno Ribeiro's side crashed out of the EFL Cup at the first hurdle. During a lively first half at Brunton Park, the hosts hauled themselves into a 2-0 lead going into half-time as Charlie Wyke and Shaun Miller found the net.
Despite Anthony Grant pulling one back for the Valiants early in the second period, the Cumbrians held on to progress into the second round of the competition.
How To Get There:
Leave the M6 at junction 43 and take the A69 towards Carlisle. After a mile you will reach the ground on your right.
By Train:
You can also get to Brunton Park via train.
The nearest railway station to the stadium is Carlisle Citadel which is approximately one mile away and around a 15-minute walk.
Odds On Promotion:
According to Sky Bet, Carlisle United are 7/2 to get promoted from League Two this season. They are also ranked at 16/1 to lift the league title.