Carlisle United boss Chris Beech has hailed the “community spirit” that has seen his appeal over training facilities answered by a number of organisations.

The Blues are back on their own training pitch today but have had positive discussions over the use of the artificial surface at nearby Richard Rose Central Academy.

Other Cumbrian clubs, such as Kendal Rugby Club, have also come to United’s aid in recent days after a spell of weather which had restricted United’s ability to train outdoors.

Beech launched an appeal for help recently and the head coach, whose side are preparing to face Salford City this Saturday, is delighted with how it was received.

“We’re out on our training ground today – we’ve checked it [this morning] so that it’s drained alright, and Dave [Mitchell, groundsman] is doing a great job as he always does lining and rollering," he said.

“We also have the offset, if the weather caught us out, that we can walk down Warwick Road half a mile and train at the [Richard Rose] Academy, which is superb.

"I have, over the last year or so since I've been our manager, seen it and can't believe we've not been able to utilise it. I hear in the past we have done and it's broken down for whatever reason.

"So I think our players will respect the opportunity to use it and we’ll utilise it to the best of our abilities.

"We use Penrith rugby, Kendal rugby club - we're thankful the chairman came down and opened up for us [last weekend], really grateful of that; it enabled us to get outside to prepare for the Harrogate game. 

“It is that coming together as a community that allows us to do what we want to do – train outside, train in Carlisle, and get ready for a fantastic opponent this weekend.”

Beech hopes such relationships can be sustained as United try to deliver success for the community.

“Anyone that can help, any sort of support, and providing it’s relevant and of a quality that helps us do what we’re doing, and they are with those facilities…we will utilise it and probably look to utilise it in the future," he added.

“Although I have no doubt when we all get the better of Covid, maybe that’ll change from their own personal circumstance, because they’ll probably be having PE lessons at the time we want to train on it…”

He added: “It’s great that people have responded and I’m very grateful that so many got in touch to offer their help. It’s a great community spirit and what we’ve got to do now is make sure we keep getting ready for these games that are going to come thick and fast.”