Revealed: the former Carlisle United stars who fans would love to do a Ronaldo

And the Portuguese star's return to the Red Devils has got Carlisle United fans talking about the ex-Blues they'd love to see back at their own club.

We asked supporters on Twitter and Facebook to nominate one player they would welcome back into a blue shirt most of all.

Some opted for an individual still playing who they think could help Chris Beech's side - while others opted from a Brunton Park hero from yesteryear.

Striker Joe Garner, who recently joined Fleetwood, was the choice of Lee Rooney, Wayne Fox and Barrie Mossop. "A full blooded centre-forward who made it uncomfortable for defenders and goalkeepers, and he scored goals," said Barrie.

Joe Garner (photo: Chris Gleave)

"I think he'd fit brilliantly into a Chris Beech side," reckoned Lee of a player whose career already includes more than one United spell.

Keiren Westwood, who is currently without a club after leaving Sheffield Wednesday this summer, was another popular nomination.

Claire Winder, Graeme Thompson and Paul Mallinson were among the United fans who favoured the goalkeeper. "Would like to see Keiren Westwood back one day before he retires," Paul said.

Other votes for those still playing included to Kyle Dempsey and Charlie Wyke, Paul Watson choosing the latter who is now at Wigan, while former United kitman Andy Horn suggested: "Danny Graham could give two good seasons and knows where the net is, and Gary Madine - another old-fashioned forward who knows where the onion bag is as well."

Tee Hetherington also went for Graham's goalscoring, while Kyle Dixon suggested west Cumbrian goalscoring star Glenn Murray, who hung up his boots this summer.

Another recent United favourite, Jabo Ibehre, watched Saturday's game at Crawley whilst summarising for BBC Radio Cumbria.

Alas, the big man recently retired. Some fans think he'd be ideal for the present United side.

"Peak Jabo Ibehre would transform this current team," said Mark Whitfield. "Big focal point and deadly in the box. We create so many chances but struggle to finish and play very direct."

Nige Spence also went for Ibehre. "When he was on it he helped him and others score," he said. "Find a Jabo."

Matty Gordon also liked the sound of a second coming for the big striker - as well as a former Blues wing wizard.

"As a supporter at 40 something I’d say John Halpin," he said. "One for the youngsters, just think what Jabo Ibehre could add to the current team..."

John Halpin

Ross Parkinson also felt Ibehre would fit well into the current side - and also nominated two other choices that proved popular with fans among those who've long since retired: Michael Bridges and Stephane Pounewatchy.

Brilliant striker Bridges was the choice of Joanne Merrie, Malcolm Millar, Andy Sweetman and Martin Cosgrove.

"If I could turn back time, definitely Michael Bridges," Malcolm said.

"Simple: Michael Bridges. Class," offered Andy.

"The best player I’ve seen in a Carlisle shirt: Michael Bridges," added Lewis Ridley. "The current team would benefit most from a Chris Lumsdon or Paul Simpson, though."

Iconic 1990s French centre-half Pounewatchy would also be a more than useful addition to 2021 United, reckoned some fans.

"Stephane Pounewatchy....man mountain," said Ian Sanderson. "Not very much got past him in defence - man nor ball. OMG...when he went on those runs into the opposing half you could feel a goal coming..."

Matt Elliott also went for Pounewatchy. "Absolute rock at the heart of that defence," he said. "Would’ve loved him to stay for a few more seasons but whilst he was here you could tell he was a class above."

Other 1990s heroes mentioned included Dean Walling, the choice of Doug Streat, and title-winning talisman David Reeves.

David Reeves (Image: News & Star)

"Someone who knew where the goal was which we have been lacking," said Mark Fawcett of the ex-skipper, who would "bang goals in for fun" according to James Benson.

Other defenders to get the nod, meanwhile, included former captain Kevin Gray.

"A player who demanded high standards and 100 percent effort, how we need his leadership qualities now," Craig Mattinson said.

David Sowden added: "A leader is what this side needs, Gray, Mountfield, Saddington, Ashurst would all do a great job. If you are making me pick one then big Kev Gray I reckon."

Zigor Aranalde, Chris Billy and Kevin Gray (photo: Jonathan Becker)

"Best defender we've had in the past 20 years," added Sam Johnston of Gray.

Tom Little and Byron Coomber wanted to see Chris Billy back in a United shirt, Doug Murphy fancied a second spell for Simon Hackney, Chris Ross felt former target man Lee Miller would suit the current United playing style, while Ronnie Smith would love to see a certain former top-flight defender back in a blue shirt.

"Ian Harte - great defender, scored plenty of goals too. Team player, always talking and encouraging his team mates," Ronnie said.

Mark Dixon reckoned United's current direct playing style would be "tailor-made" for Andy Preece, while Jennifer Murray went for Basque left-back Zigor Aranalde. 

Paul Standing voted for Ian Stevens, while Ian Mair and Neil Connor were among the United fans who picked 1990s attacking star Matt Jansen. Gary Holmes went for Wembley-winning captain and midfielder Steve Hayward, while some of the Blues' 80s favourites were also chosen.

Paul Watson and Jason Smith proposed Malcolm Poskett while Mike Brown opted for fellow frontman Paul Bannon, "of whom someone once wrote something like: 'On one of the many days when nothing seemed to be going right, the ball would follow him around and seek him out like a spiteful Exocet missile. And yet, whether with his knees, shins, backside or back of his head, he scored many goals for us - every one at higher levels than where we currently play'."

Classy midfelder Ian Bishop also got a few votes.

"If only we could have kept hold of him and built a team around him. He went on to a great career," Lee Rotherham said

Garth Hamer also opted for Bishop, about whom Blue Bolero said on Twitter: "Never felt his talent was fully appreciated as a teen at BP but some of that wondrous midfield maestro ball play we saw at Man City and West Ham would be great to see again. And then we could all have a wild night out..."

Chris Lye also liked the sound of a Bishop return, whilst also suggesting "Paul Murray - someone who plays with a bit of heart."

Some Blues fans went further back and wished to see one of United's 1970s icons revive their past glories.

"Hughie McIlmoyle," said Dougie Jones. "If 44 goals a season doesn't count what does?"

Rob Scott-Buccleugh also went for the great Hughie Mac. "We need his goals right now!"

"Get him off the plinth and into the team," added Tom Robson of the striker whose statue stands outside Brunton Park.

Kenny Milburn said he "wouldn't mind seeing Stan Bowles, Peter Beardsley and Chris Balderstone in the same team at their peak. Balderstone was our best servant."

Peter Brockbank also went for two of those legends, including a long-standing friend. "I know I am biased, and he wasn't here long, but Stan Bowles would be my choice, along with Chris Balderstone. They had a great understanding, for the short time they played together."

Peter Beardsley (Image: News & Star)

David Thomson also opted for Bowles, "because they don't make them like Stan any more - he was a total maverick", while Chris Leishman and Keith Ward went for Balderstone. Jon Wardle opted for Beardsley, because he "had magic in his feet".

Stephen Pritchard went for Bobby Owen, and Charles Butler selected Dennis Martin, while Harry Ramsbottom and Howard Atkinson's favourite was United's greatest winger, George McVitie, as Howard feels the current side is "crying out for pace and accurate crosses."

One or two Blues fans were perhaps not entirely serious with their suggestions - such as Steve Akitt who proposed a second United spell for a striker who did not enjoy the most prolific of times in Cumbria: "Richard Offiong. Goals, goals, goals innit..."