Former Carlisle United keeper Holy back at Brunton Park

The Blues' former No1 paid a visit to his old club to watch the 1-1 draw with Crewe Alexandra.

Holy watched the game from the Main Stand.

And the popular Czech, after being spotted by supporters, had his name sung by fans in the Warwick Road End.

Holy acknowledged the warm reception, which came in the second half of Saturday's game.

Holy, pictured with former United physio Chris Brunskill, acknowledges the warm reception from fans at the Crewe game (Image: Ben Holmes)

The 32-year-old United promotion-winner also spent time meeting fans outside the ground and posed for photos with young supporters.

It was Holy's first time back at Brunton Park since he was released by the club at the end of last season.

He now plays for Czech third-tier club FK Banik Most-Sous.

The big keeper made 73 appearances for Paul Simpson's United after joining in the summer of 2022.

He had a key role in 2022/23's promotion, Holy breaking a club record for the most clean sheets by a Blues keeper in a league season with 20 shut-outs.

He then played a crucial part in United's play-off final victory over Stockport County, Holy saving Ryan Rydel's penalty as Carlisle won the shoot-out to reach League One.

Holy in the Main Stand with former Blues colleagues including Geoff Haugh, Dean Scholey, Jon Mellish and Chris Brunskill (Image: Ben Holmes)

The keeper had a less memorable time of it in the third tier as he lost his place in the side twice and ended the campaign third choice.

He was one of a number of players released in the summer and, in October, confirmed his next move back in his Czech homeland.

Holy has also paid a visit to another of his English former clubs in Gillingham during his trip at the start of the Czech league's winter break.

"Really happy to be back! Thank you so much for a beautiful welcome," wrote Holy on Instagram after his appearance at Brunton Park.