Football Season Guide

Chris Beech has been looking to stamp his mark on Carlisle United this summer as he tries to turnaround their fortunes. It was another uninspiring season for the Cumbrians and the premature end brought by the Covid-19 pandemic will have been something of a relief for fans and club alike. Beech took over from the unpopular Steven Pressley in November last year but struggled to improve results. Their 18th-place finish in the PPG decided table was a fair reflection of their efforts. Beech has cited Gareth Ainsworth’s Wycombe Wanderers as the model to follow and has been decisive in allowing the experienced Adam Collin, Nathaniel Knight-Percival and Mike Jones to leave the club. More surprising was the release of striker Harry McKirdy, who finished last season as leading goalscorer with 11 goals. The club saw two youth players in Jarrad Branthwaite and Liam McCarron sold to Everton and Leeds United respectively and they will be hoping to bring more youngsters through into the first team this season. George Tanner and Brennan Dickenson look good additions as wing-backs whilst former South African international Dean Furman brings plenty of experience with him and will look to form a partnership with Callum Guy in the middle of the park. Gime Toure arrives from Hartlepool United as something of rough diamond. Beech will hope he can bring some much-needed sparkle to Brunton Park this season.