By Malcolm Nugent - CUOSC

It’s beginning to look like the Blues’ season is going to rest on a mad flurry of activity in the final 40 minutes of transfer deadline day.

Fans were stunned as we brought in three strikers and a midfielder just before the window closed. And the new boys will all have a chance to be heroes as we fight for our League future.

A third defeat in a row at Salford on Tuesday night saw the Blues slump to just one place above the relegation zone – although we still have an eight point cushion.

But it was obvious to everyone, not least the fantastic 1,000-strong Blue Army who travelled to Lancashire, that boss Keith Millen has a lot of work to do.

We lost three players to injury in the first half and Omari Patrick scored an excellent goal but, truthfully, we were always second best in a 2-1 defeat.

The manager has to stir things up and, hopefully, integrate the new players quickly.

Perhaps the scene is set for returning midfielder Jamie Devitt, an old fans favourite, to come to the rescue. And let’s hope that between them Kristian Dennis, Tobi Sho-Silva and Owen Windsor can provide the firepower we desperately need.

CUOSC representatives were encouraged after attending an informal gathering of fans prior to last Saturday’s home game with Sutton.

The meeting was set up by new supporters group Unita Fortior who want to increase CUOSC membership and make it more representative of the fans.

There were lots of different opinions but everyone there had one thing in common – they were fully committed to the Blues.

Also, everyone seemed to agree we have to put a line under the past and look to the future. Our reps were given plenty to digest before our next board meeting. We are hoping we can work constructively with Unita Fortior as we move forward.

The CUOSC board attended the launch of the ‘My Club, My Shirt’ exhibition at Tullie House this week.

The initiative aims to champion the diversity of Blues fans by showing supporters from a wide variety of backgrounds wearing their club colours.

The FSA (Football Supporters Association) and ‘Kick it Out’ want the exhibitions to help bring clubs, communities and fans together from all walks of life. The club and Carlisle United Supporters Groups (CUSG) have been committed to the project.

Fans will be able to visit the exhibition at Tullie House over the next couple of months and there will be a permanent display in the East Stand concourse at Brunton Park from February 8.