Carlisle United: title-winning duo back at Brunton Park

And target man Derek Holmes was back on familiar ground as the Blues' latest special guest on Saturday.

The Scottish former striker was introduced to the crowd at the Portsmouth game.

Holmes, 45, also attended United's lounges and bars before his half-time appearance on the pitch, when he performed the Golden Gamble draw.

It saw a return to Brunton Park for a man who made 105 appearances and scored 18 goals for the Blues between 2005 and 2007.

He was a pivotal part of Simpson's team that won promotion from the Conference in 2004/05 and went on to win the League Two title the following campaign.

Derek Holmes back on the Brunton Park pitch on Saturday (Image: Barbara Abbott)

Holmes was an effective foil for strikers such as Karl Hawley and Michael Bridges as United rose up the divisions. He also played for Hearts, Cowdenbeath, Raith Rovers, Ross County, AFC Bournemouth, Rotherham United, St Johnstone, Airdieonians, Arbroath and East Fife.

Another hero from United's past was also on the pitch at half-time - title-winning boss Mick Wadsworth.

The figurehead of 1994/95's Division Three championship-winning team, who were also the first Carlisle side to play at Wembley, was back at Brunton Park.

Mick Wadsworth was also at Saturday's game (Image: Barbara Abbott)

Wadsworth, United's boss from 1993 to 1996, joined Holmes for the half-time ceremony, while the 73-year-old also attended the pre-match unveiling of a new memorial bench in tribute to his close friend and former Blues colleague David Wilkes.

He was joined there by former midfield star and ex-United coach Paul Murray.