John Gorman: the Carlisle United player who caught my eye

The former left-back great, who starred in United’s only top-flight side, cast his eye over the Blues in their 2-0 defeat to Wycombe Wanderers.

Gorman, 74, felt there were positive aspects of their performance despite the defeat for Paul Simpson’s team – including midfielder Jordan Gibson.

“I liked one or two of the players. I liked the wee number 7 [Gibson]. He looked a good little footballer,” said Gorman.

Jordan Gibson caught John Gorman's eye during Saturday's game (Image: Barbara Abbott)

“They defended really well. It was an unusual incident for the sending off when the poor keeper [Jokull Andresson] never even dreamed anyone was behind him.

“I don’t know why people didn’t scream to warn him earlier. He did handle it, although he tried not to.

“And when you see it again, it was a penalty for the first goal. At 1-0 down, I thought the Carlisle lads had a right go and could have scored.

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“But after the second goal, the game’s over against ten men.”

Gorman, who was Wycombe’s guest of honour having been a popular manager of the Chairboys from 2004 to 2006, said he was delighted to meet some of United’s staff after the game, including manager Simpson.

“It was nice to go into the dressing room and speak to some of the guys who’ve been involved with the club for a long time,” he said.

John Gorman, pictured with United's media officer Andy Hall, caught up with Paul Simpson after the game (Image: Barbara Abbott)

“One of them was talking about my time at Carlisle, and the fact I could have gone to a number of teams when I was there – Stoke City wanted me when they were top of the league.

“It brought back a lot of old memories. Any time you speak to fans who were there at that time, they still remember with a lot of fondness.

“It was the same with the Wycombe fans – it was 2006 when I was last there. I had them playing some good football.

“The manager, Matt Bloomfield, was talking about when we went up to Carlisle back then and said he’d never heard anybody with an away team get a reception like that from the home fans.

“I saw Simmo and his assistant manager [Gavin Skelton] after the game. Simmo was great – he said the next time I come up to Brunton Park, I have to come in and see him.”