A supporter's campaign to raise £500 for a flag in tribute to Paul Simpson has smashed its target in less than a day.
In a further sign of the Carlisle United manager's popularity, supporters have responded in droves to the bid to create a lasting celebration of the Cumbrian.
United fan Chris Cope set up a JustGiving page on Wednesday afternoon in the hope of raising enough to have a large flag designed to say thank you to Simmo.
And it quickly hit the £500 target with more than 40 people contributing to the fund.
Chris said he will share design ideas on social media and also said any ideas from fellow fans are welcome.
That’s over £500 raised in less than 24hrs 🤯 absolutely class. Once we get the main design sorted it will be shared! If anyone has any ideas or wants to design something they are more than welcome to. Thanks for the support! Let’s see if we can raise more, UTB https://t.co/mJmTblBafS
— Chris (@Chris_CA2) April 7, 2022
The plan is to have the flag in place at United's final game of the season at Bradford City - which could be Simpson's last game in charge unless he agrees to extend his second stint at the helm of his home-city club.
Chris said any leftover money once the flag has been bought will be either donated to charity or put towards further initiatives such as more flags.
He said 55-year-old Simpson deserved the tribute both for his first spell in charge, which saw promotion from the Conference and the League Two title, and his current rescue job which has taken Carlisle from the fourth-tier relegation zone to the brink of safety.
"Although our league status is essentially secured we don’t know whether Paul will be leading the charge to League One next season," Chris said.
"Bradford [United's last game of this season] may be the last opportunity for us to thank him for everything he has achieved at the club in his previous campaign and this one.
"Keith Curle received a painted bed sheet with the words “Thank you Keith“ painted on them when he departed the club and in my opinion, Simmo deserves better.
"The amount raised will dictate what kind of flag can be purchased such as size, design and quality. I am currently working with someone and putting a few designs together."
Chris said he will post potential designs on his Twitter account @chris_ca2 for fans to vote on, and also encouraged people to email him at chriscope274@gmail.com.
He hopes a Simmo flag will be displayed for years to come in recognition of one of the club's greatest managers.
Click HERE to visit the JustGiving page and to donate to the flag fundraiser.
It is the latest in a series of flag initiatives seen at United in recent times.
Last season supporters raised thousands to adorn Brunton Park with flags as a show of support at a time games were being played behind closed doors because of Covid-19.
One of the flags features a host of past United favourites.
More recently, another initiative by supporter groups and the club has seen further large flags on show in the Warwick Road End.
READ MORE: Flag for Simmo! Fan starts fundraising campaign for tribute to Carlisle United boss
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