By Ross Parkinson - CUOSC

In the record books, Carlisle United’s 2023/24 campaign will go down as one of, if not the worst in our history. A record number of defeats, lowest points total since three points for a win, and relegated at the foot of the table.

Why then, have I never felt more positive about the future of the club than I do now?

It‘s a really odd feeling, I’m writing this on my couch, on Sunday night, after a defeat at Derby that really encapsulated our season for me. Played ok in spells, didn’t really look like getting a breakthrough and cost ourselves the game with a couple of mistakes.

In previous years I’d have been venting my anger across WhatsApp groups of my mates and complaining in the Paddock about how bad it was and asking “Where do we go from here?”

I think the difference now is, I know where we go from here.

We now have owners who have a clear vision for the club and also the funds and means to implement it. No longer are we simply looking to survive, but to thrive.

Just as importantly, the communication of that plan is excellent, regular updates on building progress in the stadium, the training ground negotiations, and on the changes to recruitment including the investment in software that brings us into the modern day.

We have a growing fan base with the highest home and away crowds for decades, a buzzing Fan Zone with more to come.

This summer, instead of checking other clubs' released lists this season and hoping we can steal one or two gems, we will be targeting players, some of which we may not previously have dreamt of, and also will be doing so as one of the most attractive clubs at the level.

What player wouldn’t want to come to a beautiful part of the world, to a stadium with the character of Brunton Park, to play on Dave Mitchell’s immaculate pitch, in front of thousands of roaring Cumbrians for a manager with three promotions and a World Cup win under his belt?

Monday brought us a retained and released list that saw a few players leave the club, many of whom gave us that “Weekend in Paradise” at Wembley last summer. We should remember them all well. But for them and Carlisle United it is time for a fresh start.

Derby also marked the last working game for a familiar face, Barbara Abbott, who will almost certainly have supplied nearly every Carlisle fan with a new profile picture over the years. All at CUOSC thank her for her service and wish her well in retirement.

As I said on X, through Will from The Inbetweeners, this season has been dreadful (in words that I’m sure Jon Colman wouldn’t print here). However, the future is very bright indeed and I cannot wait to be back at Brunton Park, with my mate, my kids, and my godson, watching the next set of Blues walk out of that tunnel.