10 things you didn't think you'd know about -
Carlisle
1 The Romans won and called this ex-Celtic settlement Luguvallium. They decided to opt out of the SPL because of a problem with local uppers and downers.
2 Those naughty Vikings sacked the town in 875. There was rape, pillage and a night out in Gretna for them runaway England lovers with UST - google it!!
3 Bonnie Prince Charlie took Carlisle in 1745 and then went down to visit Derby. He only drew there and had to suffer relegation to a French minor league.
4 Gates to the reconstructed citadel of 1807, were slammed shut to the east and west at dusk. That should have kept them Scots and Irish free transfer types out alright.
5 Carlisle United played originally on the Duke of Devonshire's estate. He wanted them banned, which is still a typical NIMBY reaction perpetrated by arrogant neighbouring landowners - sound familiar?
6 Carlisle replaced Durham in Third Division North in 1928 and thrashed NE coast Hartlepool, 8-0 at Brunton Park. However, this showed a certain lack of latitude and more than a degree or two of added longitude.
7 Footy icon Bill Shankly of, 'this is your manager speaking' fame, resigned on principle when bonuses were withheld. Seriously, who dropped off?
8 In 1974 Carlisle miraculously joined Shankly's Liverpool in the First Division. Bill was almost lost for words but not quite - they fell as a 'great achievement' just as fast.
9 Michael Knighton became Chairman in 1992 and promised big things in ten years. He didn't deliver and left. To Cumbrians' fans, League status is a matter of life and death, not worrying about money men's inflated egos.
10 Matt Jensen was sold for £1.5M in 1998. But would it help ensure a div3 spot or was a further Conference really necessary?
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