OVERVIEW
After back-to-back relegations, the Cumbrians dropped to the fifth tier for the first time since 2005, where they spent one season before bouncing straight back thanks to a playoff win over Stevenage. This spurred them on to consecutive promotions which took them to eight straight seasons in League One and then nine in League Two. After just 17 wins in 92 games since August 2023, they will be eager for more luck with another attempt at promotion at the first time of asking.
2024/25 SEASON
After a rock-bottom finish in League One, Carlisle’s preparations for the new season saw them travel to the Crown Oil Arena in July, a 2-1 Dale win giving us our first win of the early schedule. Their League Two season began with a 4-1 defeat at Gillingham which was one of 16 defeats from the first 18 games in all competitions including exits from the Carabao and the Emirates FA Cup both to higher-level opposition. After just four league games and one win, Paul Simpson left the club in August, opening the door for former MK Dons boss Mike Williamson to step in. His tenure began with a 2-0 win away at Swindon Town and the spell lasted five months ending against the same opponents in February when they were heavily beaten at home conceding five. With just five wins to their name up to that point, the Cumbrians turned to experienced manager Mark Hughes to try and retain their status. A four game unbeaten run and three straight wins in April offered hope but an away defeat at Cheltenham Town after leading the game confirmed their fate with one matchday to go.
Last Match – Sat 3rd May – Carlisle 2-2 Salford (16′ S.Wearne, 17′ M.Dennis).
Carlisle XI – G.Breeze, J.Ellis, A.Hayden, T.Thomas, C.Harper, S.Fusire (63′ E.Embleton), C.Whelan (73′ C.Guy), K.Harris (74′ P.Dummett), S.Wearne (90′ B.Barclay), G.Kelly, M.Dennis (63′ J.Hugill).
Unused subs – H.Lewis, S.Hetherington.
MANAGER
Former Premier League gaffer with Manchester City, Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City, ‘Sparky’ took charge of just his second club outside of the top-flight after a stint at Bradford City in 2022/23 where he lasted a year and a half with the Bantams as they finished 18th place in his second season. In his first season, they reached the playoffs and despite a first leg lead, the Yorkshire side bowed out to his now employers Carlisle United.
This will be Hughes’ first ever campaign in the fifth tier of English Football after his stay at the club was confirmed on 19th May. They suffered only one home defeat at Brunton Park during the 61-year-old’s reign in the fourth tier.
NEW SIGNINGS (TO BE UPDATED)
30th May – Regan Linney (Altrincham).
17th June – Morgan Feeney (Shrewsbury Town).
24th June – David Ajiboye (Peterborough United).
25th June – Junior Luamba (Salford City).
26th June – Sam Murray (Manchester United).
11th July – Josh Grant (Wealdstone).
18th July – Bevis Mugabi (Anorthosis).
PLAYED FOR BOTH
Most recently, Carlisle’s top goalscorer for the 2024/25 season was Matthew Dennis who had a three-month spell at Dale from October until January 2025 before returning to his parent club MK Dons. He scored six times under Hughes including three in three to end the season. There are over 30 players who have donned both blue shirts with noteable players such as Rhys Bennett, Adam Rundle, Jason Kennedy, Glenn Murray, Lewis Alessandra, Adam Clayton and Joe Thompson.
WE’VE MET BEFORE
Games Played – 106
Rochdale Wins – 38
Draws – 24
Carlisle Wins – 44
Our recent encounter – Dale 0-1 Carlisle (28 Jan 2023)
First ever encounter – Carlisle 4-2 Dale (15 Dec 1928)
Biggest Dale win – Dale 6-0 Carlisle (28 Sep 1946 & 10 Apr 2001)
Biggest Carlisle win – Carlisle 7-0 Dale (22 Aug 1953)
Last Dale line-up – J.Eastwood, J.McNulty (74′ A.Odoh), M.Taylor, J.Keohane, F.Seriki, L.Kelly (40′ T.Diagouraga), J.Ball (86′ T.Sinclair), O.Dodgson, D.Lloyd (74′ S.Quigley), D.Mellor, D.Rodney (74′ I.Henderson).
Unused subs – R.O’Donnell, C.John.
BRUNTON PARK
The stadium holds 17,949 and has been in operation for 115 years. It is the largest football stadium in England to still including traditional terracing and used to hold 27,500 which was reduced in the 1980s. The home to many local supporters has suffered in the past though with two floodings in 2005 and 2015 meaning they had to play games elsewhere. In 1953, the wooden grandstand burned to the ground and was rebuilt due to a player sale. Brunton Park hosted an Elton John concert in 2007 and also rugby matches including a game between Cumbria and Australia.
