For the majority of the 2024/25 season, it looked like Cumbrian side Carlisle United were destined for the National League with the Brunton Park outfit planted at the bottom of the League Two table. However, since the introduction of Mark Hughes who replaced the outgoing Mike Williamson, United have seen a resurrection leading many to believe that the Cumbrians can pull off a great escape. Join me as we look at how this resurrection has happened and a potential route for Carlisle United to survive in League Two this season.
The Carlisle Downfall –
At the end of the 2022/23 season, following victories over Bradford City and Stockport County in the playoffs, the Cumbrians were promoted to League One for the first time in 9 seasons. What followed was a busy period of recruitment which saw the side sign players such as Ben Barclay, Sam Lavelle and Jack Diamond amongst others which gave fans hope of a successful first season in the third tier.
However, what followed was a disaster of a campaign with rare moments of joy such as the Blues win away at Bolton and doing the league double against Burton. The campaign saw the Cumbrians pick up 30 points across 46 games (15 at home and 15 away) and finish last place in the division relegating United back to the fourth tier after only one season in League One far from the hopes of the fanbase after being promoted only one season ago.
Yet again following the relegation, a busy period of summer recruitment took place backed by new American owners who pumped money into the club to try and construct a squad and team that could fight for promotion and with signings such as Charlie Wyke, Archie Davies and Stephen Wearne with the hopes that these signings alongside others could bring joy back to Brunton Park and propel the Cumbria side towards a promotion charge.
However, this is not what happened. 3 losses in 4 saw the departure of Paul Simpson – the manager that got the Brunton Park outfit promoted in 2022/23 – and in came Mike Williamson who won just 1 in his first 8 leaving the side 23rd in the league with only Morecambe falling worst. After that, just 3 wins in 14 and a January transfer window followed which saw Williamson sacked following a 5-1 defeat to Swindon Town.
A squad of fresh players from January, no manager, a team that had won little during the course of the season. All this made relegation to the National League inevitable. However, what followed was the start of the…
Mark Hughes Reign –
On the 6th of February, just 5 days after Williamson’s departure, Mark Hughes was announced as the latest appointment by Carlisle United and was tasked with an impossible mission – Keep Carlisle United from being relegated to the National League and pull off a great escape.
However, rebuilding confidence, gaining results, and establishing a spirit in the squad and fanbase was essential if this were to happen. This is why 2 straight losses against Grimsby and Newport were not to be alarming to the Cumbrians. What followed was an unbeaten reign of 4 including a win over local rivals Barrow and a draw against league leaders Walsall to help rebuild spirit and confidence whilst also picking up crucial points in the bid for survival.
4 points in 18 then followed after that before a period of 3 straight wins against Newport, relegation rivals Morecambe and league leaders Port Vale most recently which has re-energised fans at the Cumbria side and encouraged them to believe in a great escape.
How Can Carlisle Escape? –
With 3 games remaining at the time of writing and a 4 point gap to close, the routes for Carlisle to escape are closing but there is still a way.
To Leapfrog Tranmere –
If Carlisle win against Accrington on Easter Monday and Tranmere lose against Barrow away, the gap to Tranmere would close to just 1. Carlisle would then have to beat Cheltenham and Tranmere would have to drop points against Crewe which would lead to Carlisle overtaking Tranmere with one to go. Carlisle would then have to win on the final day to secure safety although could draw and survive if Tranmere dropped points against Newport.
To Overtake Accrington –
A Carlisle win against Accrington on Easter Monday would close the gap to three points. Accrington would then have to drop points at Walsall and Carlisle would have to win at Cheltenham to give the Cumbrians a chance to overtake on the final day. United would then have to win on the final day and Accrington would have to drop points against Chesterfield for Carlisle to overtake Stanley.
Can United Escape? –
The League Two relegation battle is going to go down to the wire with three teams looking to have to fight to secure their spots in League Two next season.
Do you think Carlisle United can escape or will they go down? Comment your view below!
