History of Carlisle United F.C. facts for kids

Carlisle United F.C. is an English football club based in Carlisle, Cumbria. The club started in 1904 and has played at their home ground, Brunton Park, since 1909.

How Carlisle United Began

The club was officially formed on May 17, 1904. This happened at a meeting of another club called Shaddongate United. Members voted to change the club's name to Carlisle United. The team first played at Milhome Bank and then Devonshire Park before moving to Brunton Park on Warwick Road, where they still play today.

There's a story that Carlisle United was formed by two clubs joining together: Shaddongate United and Carlisle Red Rose. But this isn't true! Carlisle United actually beat Carlisle Red Rose 3–0 in an FA Cup match in 1905–06.

Early Days and Famous Managers

Carlisle United joined the Football League Third Division North in 1928. They won their very first league game, beating Accrington Stanley 3–2.

In 1949, the club made history by hiring Bill Shankly as their manager. Shankly later became a legend at Liverpool, leading them to many trophies.

Ivor Broadis became player-manager after the Second World War. This made him the youngest league club manager ever! Broadis also became the first manager to transfer himself when he moved to Sunderland. He later returned to play for Carlisle again, having played for England 18 times. Carlisle played in the Third Division North until 1958 and then the Fourth Division until their first big promotion.

The Golden Era

Carlisle United earned promotion from the Fourth Division in 1962. They then achieved back-to-back promotions in 1964 and 1965, becoming a strong Second Division team.

In the 1974–75 season, Carlisle reached the top division of English football for the first time! They even topped the league after winning their first three games. Players like Chris Balderstone and Bobby Parker were key. However, this success didn't last, and they were relegated at the end of the season. Still, they had great wins, beating teams like Everton twice and winning at home against champions Derby. They also beat Chelsea away in the opening game, which was shown on Match of the Day!

Late 20th Century Challenges

Carlisle was relegated again in 1977 but returned to the Second Division in 1982 under manager Bob Stokoe. With players like Malcolm Poskett and Tommy Craig, they almost got promoted in 1983–84 but finished 7th. Sadly, they faced two more relegations in 1986 and 1987.

The 1987–88 season saw Carlisle back in the Fourth Division. They nearly reached the play-offs in 1989–90 but lost on the final day. The next season was tough, and they finished 20th. In 1991–92, Carlisle finished last in the Fourth Division. Luckily, they avoided relegation because the Football League was expanding, and another club had gone out of business.

In 1992, Michael Knighton took over the club. He promised to bring Premier League football to Carlisle by 2004. With new coaches like Mick Wadsworth and David McCreery, and the signing of striker Dave Reeves, Carlisle had a great 1993–94 season. They reached the play-offs but lost in the semi-finals.

In 1994–95, Carlisle finally won their first major trophy in 13 years, lifting the Division Three title! David Reeves scored 25 goals that season. They also reached the Autoglass Windscreens Trophy Final but lost in extra time.

The next season was difficult. Key players were sold, and the team was relegated back to Division Two. However, in 1996–97, young players like Rory Delap, Matt Jansen, and Lee Peacock helped Carlisle bounce back. They won promotion straight away and also won the Auto Windscreens Trophy Final in a penalty shootout, thanks to amazing saves from goalkeeper Tony Caig.

After a tough 1997–98 season, Carlisle faced a critical moment in 1998–99. In the final game of the season, they needed to beat Plymouth Argyle at Brunton Park to avoid relegation. The score was 1–1 in the final minute of stoppage time. Then, their goalkeeper, Jimmy Glass, who was on loan, scored a dramatic last-minute goal! This incredible moment saved Carlisle from relegation and became a famous part of the club's history.

The 21st Century and Recent Success

Carlisle continued to struggle to avoid relegation in the early 2000s. In 2003–04, they were relegated to the Conference National, the fifth tier of English football. This made Carlisle the first club to have played in all top five divisions!

But Carlisle bounced back quickly! In 2004–05, they won the Conference National play-offs to return to the Football League. The next season, 2005–06, they continued their amazing form under manager Paul Simpson and won the League Two title!

In 2006–07, Carlisle finished 8th in League One, their highest league finish in 22 years. After some managerial changes, Greg Abbott became manager. In 2008–09, the club sold two key players but started the season well. Abbott was made permanent manager and helped Carlisle stay in League One.

Carlisle reached the third round of the FA Cup in 2009, losing to Everton. In 2010, they reached the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Final at Wembley Stadium for the first time, but lost to Southampton. However, they won the 2011 Football League Trophy by beating Brentford 1–0!

The 2011–12 season saw Carlisle make a strong push for the play-offs, with players like Rory Loy, Lee Miller, and Francois Zoko scoring many goals. They just missed out on a play-off spot by two points. The next season was tougher, but they managed to avoid relegation.

The 2013–14 season started very badly, leading to manager Greg Abbott leaving. Graham Kavanagh took over but the team was relegated to League Two. After a poor start to the 2014–15 season, Kavanagh was sacked. Keith Curle became the new manager and helped the team avoid relegation.

The 2015–16 season was better, with the team finishing 10th. A highlight was a thrilling 1–1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield in the League Cup, though Carlisle lost on penalties.

In 2016–17, Carlisle had an excellent first half of the season, losing only one league game. They seemed set for the play-offs but had a difficult second half. Still, they managed to secure a play-off spot on the final day! However, they lost to Exeter City in the semi-finals.

Keith Curle left in 2018 and was replaced by John Sheridan, then Steven Pressley, and later Chris Beech. The 2019–20 season was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020–21, Carlisle started very well, even topping the table at Christmas, and finished 10th.

After a tough start to the 2021–22 season, Chris Beech was sacked. Keith Millen took over but was also replaced in February 2022 by former manager Paul Simpson. "Simmo" led the team to some great wins, pulling them out of the relegation zone and keeping Carlisle in the Football League!

After saving the club, Simpson signed a new contract. In the 2022–23 season, Carlisle finished 5th, earning a play-off spot. They beat Bradford City in the semi-final. Then, in the play-off final at Wembley, Carlisle defeated Stockport County on penalties after a 1–1 draw! This amazing victory earned them promotion back to League One after nine years in League Two.