Football Season Guide

It has been a summer of turmoil at Brunton Park following the departure of manager Keith Curle at the end of last season. Curle was unable to repeat of the feat of the previous season as the team missed out on a play-off place and it came as no surprise when he announced he would not sign a new deal. It seems to be the best decision for both parties although supporters may well have hoped for a more inspiring replacement than John Sheridan. The former Republic of Ireland midfielder certainly has plenty of managerial experience but has been short of success in recent times. He finished the last campaign with six league victories in 13 matches whilst in charge of League One Fleetwood Town. Sheridan faces the same problem as he predecessor as those running the club continue to antagonise supporters and his task hasn’t been helped by the loss of two of their most influential players from last season. Centre-back Clint Hill has opted to join Sheridan’s replacement Joey Barton at Fleetwood Town whilst winger Nicky Adams has left to rejoin former club Bury. It leaves Sheridan without a leader in the centre of defence and a creative influence in attack. Midfielder Luke Joyce also rejected the offer of a new deal in preference to a move to Port Vale and there is still plenty of recruitment needed at the time of writing. Sheridan looks to have the goalkeeping situation sorted with the return of Adam Collin from Notts County and Joe Fryer joining on a season-long loan from Middlesbrough to provide competition. Full-back Gary Miller brings plenty of experience but otherwise the only new additions are untested youngsters and the Cumbrians currently look ill-equipped to challenge at the top end of League Two this season.