The government has said the October 1 date for the long awaited return of supporters to EFL games is to be reviewed.

Although the Blues are taking part in a ‘test event’ for fans against Southend on Saturday no one will be surprised, following new Covid-19 restrictions, if it is eventually delayed.

Over the last couple of days CUOSC volunteers have been helping make Brunton Park Covid-secure for the limited number of 1,000 fans allowed to attend the Southend game.

Providing it is safe for everyone involved we look forward to the return of all our supporters into the ground and cannot wait to hear that ‘Brunton roar’ again.

However, no one can really be certain when that will happen. Perhaps, it is a good time to focus once more on CUOSC’s Carlisle REUnited campaign where we are attempting to raise funds and reconnect the club and fans.

United were happy with their financial state of affairs as we went into the new season. But who knows what will happen if no fans are allowed back into grounds until the New Year or later.

It is predicted a lot of lower league clubs could go to the wall. CUOSC wants to make sure United is not one of them.

So far we have raised over £8,000 - money that has been ring-fenced to use to help the club survive the crisis. We would love to get that figure over the £10,000 mark and we still have a few ideas in the pipeline that might help us do that.

But even if you cannot afford to donate you can still do your bit by joining CUOSC or renewing your membership.

By signing up you will get a sense of ‘belonging’ with benefits including discount at the club shop and a weekly email briefing.

CUOSC has around 400 members - with renewals still coming in - but the more members we have the more we can develop the bond between the club and community.

It costs £10 for adults for one year and £5 for seniors and juniors. To join go to http://cuosc.org.uk/apply-for-membership/

United will be hoping to put a disappointing start to the season behind them against Southend - don’t forget it is a 1pm kick-off.

Despite a 3-0 loss at Cambridge there is no need for panic. I remember back in 1973 in our first away game in the league we were 6-0 down at half time at Luton and eventually lost 6-1. But by the end of the season we had won promotion to the old First Division – so things didn’t turn out too badly, did they?