News & Star column 20.02.20

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The Blues are now 13 points clear of the one relegation spot so what could possibly go wrong?

Well, this is Carlisle United…. and those of us of a more nervous disposition will only be happy when it is mathematically impossible for us to go down.

However, after just one defeat in seven games, there is no denying there are a lot more positive vibes around the club.

Head coach Chris Beech has made the Blues much more competitive and hard to beat and the fans are looking up the table again rather than down.

We can do ourselves a big favour by picking up three points when we entertain Morecambe this weekend. The Shrimps are one place and five points below United but have proved something of a bogey side in the league at Brunton Park.

The Blues have never beaten them on home soil in five outings since dropping down to League Two. Saturday would be a great time to end that record.

There are some other big games at the foot of the table. It looks like bottom-placed Stevenage made a last throw of the dice this week by appointing former player Alex Revell as their fourth manager of the season. He has to work a miracle starting with a trip to Crawley, unbeaten at home in the league since November.

Macclesfield go to third-placed Crewe while Mansfield, tied on points with United, have an equally difficult encounter at Cheltenham.

If results go well for the Blues we may be able to start looking ahead to next season.

Off the field fans are still waiting to find out whether EWM are prepared to take a stake in the club. CUOSC believe Philip Day’s company, who have their head office in Carlisle, see United as an important part of the community.

Don’t forget before the Morecambe game we will be holding our regular supporters’ surgery in the study centre, next to the club shop between 1.30 and 2.30pm.

It is a chance to ask questions or sign up for membership. It costs £10 for adults and £5 for Under-16 and seniors. We can also be contacted by email at info@cuosc.org.uk