By Malcolm Nugent - CUOSC

What a week that was. Paul Simpson’s homecoming magically dispelled the gloom and injected new hope and enthusiasm into Blues fans.

Most thought relegation was inevitable after watching the dire display against Swindon. But a few days later Simmo arrived and now after two wins we are all believing again.

There is still a long way to go. But as fans we have to get behind him for the last 13 games to make sure we stay in the Football League.

And we will get behind him. Seven hundred travelling fans at Orient and over 5,000 for Tuesday night’s home game with Rochdale proves that. The city loves the Blues.

It looks like we will take over 1,000 fans to Oldham on Saturday for another big relegation battle and then we are certain to have a bumper crowd for the Northampton home match the following week with the club catching the mood and offering reduced ticket prices.

Simpson is already a hero in Carlisle after back-to-back promotions in 2005 and 2006. He has transformed the team in less than a week and will be certain of a good reception tonight at a fans forum hosted by Carlisle United Supporters Groups (CUSG) starting at 6.30pm at Brunton Park.

Capacity is limited to 100 and places must be booked via the Eventbrite booking page at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/carlisle-united-manager-forum-tickets-95930417461

If you cannot attend, the forum will be streamed on the club’s YouTube channel and questions can be sent to hello@cusg.co.uk. Priority for questions will be given to those present.

CUOSC’s members’ meeting went well last week with lots of ideas on how to improve things being put forward during a Q&A session. It was accepted we need to increase membership numbers which now stand at just over 530, thanks to a recent initiative from new supporters group Unita Fortior. It was also felt our social media presence should be improved.

The CUOSC board met this week to discuss how to act on some of the suggestions. We will be contacting fans who put their names forward to help. If you think you can be of assistance please email info@cuosc.org.uk – we are particularly keen to hear from fans with legal experience and anyone who can help with event organising.