The Essex club won the Ryman League last season by 19 points to climb to their highest ever position in the non-league pyramid. In contrast the Cumbrians are playing non-league football for the first time since 1928 - and manager Paul Simpson will be hoping their stay is brief. The United boss will be delighted to kick off at home and will be hoping for a big gate to kick-start the Carlisle promotion push. Bookies have already installed United as 7-2 favourites to land the title ahead of Hereford and Exeter City. After hosting Canvey, United travel to Northwich on Tuesday August 17 and are on the road again at Forest Green on Saturday August 21. The big holiday double-header sees United travel to Morecambe on Boxing Day and host the return fixture just six days later on New Year's Day. The season ends with a trip to Barnet on April 30. Simpson admitted he had a feeling that his side would kick off against the Ryman League champions and said: "I'm delighted we're at home as that gives us the chance of getting a big crowd behind us who can roar us on and hopefully we'll get three points. We need to make Brunton Park a fortress next season and a win on opening day would be ideal." United fans will be able to sample the delights of Canvey's Park Lane ground when they play the away fixture there on Good Friday, March 25. Trust gear up to raise £350,000 with Wall of fame
The supporters' trust outlined plans this week to reward the biggest givers to their cause with a major new campaign to raise a total of £350,000 and complete the purchase of a 25.1% stake in the football club. The Trust want 1,000 individuals, businesses, schools and other local institutions such as pubs and unions to raise a minimum of £350 each. Every person who does so will get a plaque with their name on it which will go on a wall at the ground and will also qualify for a host of other benefits, including free tickets to home games, a signed photograph of the first team squad and entry into a special draw which has as its first prize a 10-year season ticket for two people. Schools will receive individual coaching and visits from players whilst businesses will get their photograph in the local press. Trust chair Kate Rowley is confident the scheme will succeed and believes the total amount could even be in the bag by Christmas. "This is a great opportunity and we really think we can reach our target of £350,000 by Christmas. If that is the case, we can then continue raising money to try and secure an even bigger shareholding. All the money will go to the club so it benefits everyone, but now we need everyone to do what they can," she said. For further information, contact Kate Rowley on 07968 488941 or email info@ccuist.org The Trust will be re-launching with a new name and new logo before the start of the new season. Picture from News & Star |
