The Cumbrians are still bottom of the table on goal difference after their 2-1 defeat at Cambridge on Tuesday night. They have won just one of their 8 home games this season. Atkins's side also suffered a midweek reverse at Macclesfield and are lying in 10th spot, having conceded just 15 goals this season - the second best defensive record in the division behind Lincoln. The former Carlisle supremo took over at the Kassam Stadium just under a year ago following the resignation of Mark Wright with the Bulls in deep trouble at the bottom end of the table. But the experienced troubleshooter again worked his magic on them and they stayed up with something to spare. So far this season they have been in and around the play-off places as Atkins bids to win promotion for the first time since his Northampton days. United welcomed back Mark Summerbell on Tuesday night following his one-match ban. Darren Kelly was also available after suspension but Roddy Collins chose to stick with Michael Taylor and Peter Murphy in central defence. Collins hinted there would be changes in defence if the Cumbrians again leaked goals at the Abbey Stadium. He has been in talks with an experienced centre-half with over 500 games under his belt. United have failed to keep a clean-sheet in the last 14 games and have conceded 34 goals during that period. Matty Glennon, re-signed from Hull last month has failed so far to stop the flow of goals and his howler at Cambridge led to the disputed winner scored by Shane Tudor.However he was praised for his overall performance by Collins and is expected to keep his place. Meanwhile striker Richie Foran could make a surprise return in a protective mask after breaking his cheekbone last month at Bournemouth. He is unlikely to play from the start but could be on the bench. Atkins is one of Collins's admirers and believes the Dubliner is doing the right thing in bringing in young players to build for the future. "Roddy is rebuilding with young players and that is the way to go in football," he said. "They will be in a healthy position when they finish this season and next season I am sure they will be pushing for promotion. It is nice to see the club in decent hands now that John Courtenay has taken over and is putting money into it." Shirts go on sale at last United's new home and away shirts finally go on sale to the public tomorrow. Adult shirts are selling at £38.99 with £33.99 for a children's size. Further merchandise will also be on sale as John Courtenay begins his bid to revitalise the club's commercial operation. Demand is likely to be high at the club shop on Warwick Road where new General Manager Paul Bell took charge last week. Trust agree £400,000 share offer Members of the United Supporters' Trust CCUIST have voted unanimously in favour of accepting the offer of shares made by owner John Courtenay last week. All 470 ballot papers returned were in favour of the deal. The Trust will get 20% of the shares by buying approximately 36,000 new shares. The first £100,000 is payable immediately with the remaining £300,000 to be raised within three years. CCUIST secretary Kate Rowley believes the vote will signal an historic breakthrough for fans. "It has been 15 months of hard work, but it has paid off. Now we need the money - that is the hard bit. We need the fans to get behind this - it is their club," she said. New assistant groundsman appointed United's groundsman Ted Swainson has a new helper - in the shape of 62-year-old ex-farmer Norman Potts. Mr Potts this week began work as the club's assistant groundsman after he lost his entire dairy herd last year to foot and mouth. "I could never have dreamed of working for a football club aged 62," said Mr Potts. "I like the work and it's only from 8.30 to 4.30 - it is like being at school." Picture from News & Star |
