Almost there

I can't wait, league football is back with us after a summer of discontent with the English national team, its back to the real world and Carlisle United.

Tomorrow we face a confident, solid and frighteningly decent looking Doncaster Rovers side who may well be among the promotion contenders cum May 2007. Have we got the ability to compete at this level? Well therehas been lots of activity at Brunton Park during the summer. Once again the fans are right behind everyone at the club as sound decisions have been taken to improve our chances of dealing with football at a higher level.

first out of Brunton Park towards the back end of last season was Brendon McGill, who moved into Scottish football with Gretna. Lee Andrews quickly confirmed his place at Torquay United and ended up a favourite whilst on loan there, resulting in a permanent move. More recently, Glenn Murray has moved to Stockport County on a three month loan, the Edgeley Park experience will hopefully serve him well. Next to go out on loan was Raphael Nade, an enigma who simply cant seem to find his game at football league level - stick him in the non league game and he scores for fun, Raf has moved to Weymouth on a sesason long loan, personally I wouldn't expect to see him return.

Meanwhile arriving at Brunton Park was David Raven, a highly rated young defender from Liverpool FC and striker Kevin Gall from Yeovil. Both of whom will add that something extra to the playing squad and first team. We do perhaps need more ammunition in the actual strength of our squad, but Neil McDonald will know better than anyone who and where he needs to go bring those players in.

The high profile story of the sumer was of course the departure (fleeing) of Paul Simpson to Preston North End. Simmo did us proud whilst he was here, but he is now history as is Dennis Booth and Billy Barr who also left us to join up with him at Deepdale. No best wishes here for this lot, but thanks for the memories.

New boss Neil McDonald was recruited, and he has developed his own back room staff team, Messrs Abbott and Suggett will be more than able to assist with the further development of Carlisle United AFC thankyou very much!

So it all starts tomorrow, its a big un , make no mistake about it, better to get games like Donnie out of the way early doors me thinks, before they build up a head of steam and consistency, hit em while they are cold. I can't wait, Brunton Park should be a cauldron of noise tomorrow afternoon - bring it on...Come on Ye Blues.

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