Carlisle United's 1994/5 and 2005/6 heroes roll back the years at reunion game

Heroes from the Blues’ last two title-winning eras got their boots back on and rolled back the years at Brunton Park.

A host of ex-United favourites were at the ground for a reunion game involving stars from the 1994/5 and 2005/6 teams, plus more former stars.

The 2005/6 vintage won the game 4-2 in front of 1,389 supporters, with the event raising money for a former players’ fund.

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Managers Mick Wadsworth and Paul Simpson took charge of their respective teams, with popular players such as Michael Bridges, Stephane Pounewatchy, Kevin Gray and Steve Hayward among the players involved.

The 2005/6 squad lines up before the game

The 1994/5 side also wore a version of the famous “deckchair” kit sported by Wadsworth’s team in that famous campaign.

Jeff Thorpe salutes the crowd (Image: Ben Holmes)

“It’s good fun and it’s about celebrating two great squads,” said Wadsworth.

Stephane Pounewatchy signs a shirt on his return to Brunton Park

“It’s great to see an event for this former players' fund. Sadly some players have tough times and need help. If this sets the ball rolling to help, that’s great.”

Karl Hawley looks on as Andy Hart makes a sliding challenge

Top 2005/6 marksman Karl Hawley opened the scoring before Chris Lumsdon had a goal chalked off thanks to a controversial ‘VAR’ check…

Michael Bridges was among the former United stars back at Brunton Park for the game

Wembley 1997 hero Hayward slotted home a penalty to make it 1-1 before Danny Graham put the younger of the sides back in front.

Hawley added a third with Bridges scoring a crowd-pleasing fourth, before Mark Boyd’s penalty reduced the arrears for the 1994/5 team, who ended the game with a Cumbrian XI.

Kevin Gray is shown a 'blue' card after a robust challenge on Jeff Thorpe...

Three more United legends were also at the game, with George McVitie, Tot Winstanley and Les O’Neill introduced to the crowd at half-time.

It was a first day back at Brunton Park since 1998 for French cult hero Pounewatchy, who said: “It’s a pleasure to be back, after such a long time. It is a very special moment.

Managers Mick Wadsworth, left and Paul Simpson, right, observe a controversial 'VAR check'...

"I am really pleased to be here, back on this pitch and playing again with players like Richard [Prokas], Steve [Hayward], Macca [Gareth McAlindon]. We had some really good memories.”

Bridges flew in from Australia to play in the game and said he was delighted by the reception he and his fellow ex-Blues received. 

Paul Murray, left

“Being back in the dressing room with the lads, seeing them again, asking what they are up to…it’s really special,” said the former striker.

Richard Prokas makes a run for the 1994/5 side

“The banter’s the same. We still haven’t grown up in that respect. And it was an incredible turnout from the fans and we’re incredibly grateful.”

Tom Cowan, Brendan McGill, Matty Glennon, Gareth McAlindon and Kevin Gray in action

Other players involved included Tony Elliott, Darren Edmondson, Andy Hart, Paul Murray, Jeff Thorpe, Paul Proudlock, Richard Prokas, Gavin Skelton, Tony Caig, Ian Arnold, Matty Glennon, Danny Livesey, Tom Cowan, Peter Murphy, Simon Hackney, Luke Joyce, Dan Kirkup, Lee Andrews, David Raven, Jeff Smith, Neil Dalton, David Wilkes, Derek Walsh and Brendan McGill, with Derek Mountfield, Dean Walling, Billy Barr and ex-kitman Andy Horn among those there in a non-playing capacity and Fred Story - United owner during the 2005/6 title season - also in attendance.

Sponsors of the game included Manchester United's former Carlisle academy goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who sponsored the match ball.

Steve Hayward comes off as Mark Boyd, Jeff Thorpe and Paul Murray take the field

More coverage to come at the News & Star...