Carlisle United: Warm welcome for Zoko, Raynes and Hackney

And the trio of Francois Zoko, Michael Raynes and Simon Hackney were all welcomed back to Brunton Park on Monday.

Francois Zoko, left, catches up with Bevis Mugabi - Carlisle United vs Scunthorpe, Enterprise National League 2026/27, Brunton Park, Photographer Ben Holmes, NO UNAUTHORISED USE. (Image: Ben Holmes)

The former players spoke in the lounges before the game while Zoko and Raynes were introduced to the crowd during half-time.

Along with Hackney, they were also involved in the 'Big Shot' half-time challenge at Carlisle's 4-2 win against Scunthorpe United.

Zoko got a good reception on his Brunton Park return - Carlisle United vs Scunthorpe, Enterprise National League 2026/27, Brunton Park, Photographer Ben Holmes, NO UNAUTHORISED USE. (Image: Ben Holmes)

Zoko received a popular welcome from supporters who fondly remember the Ivorian attacker's entertaining spell in a blue shirt.

Zoko, who joined United in 2010 after a trial spell, made 102 appearances for Greg Abbott's Carlisle side, scoring 24 goals.

Zoko applauds the fans - Carlisle United vs Scunthorpe, Enterprise National League 2026/27, Brunton Park, Photographer Ben Holmes, NO UNAUTHORISED USE. (Image: Ben Holmes)

Memorable moments from the skilful player included a spectacular overhead kick at the Warwick Road End against Hartlepool United.

Former team-mates Zoko and Mugabi catch up- Carlisle United vs Scunthorpe, Enterprise National League 2026/27, Brunton Park, Photographer Ben Holmes, NO UNAUTHORISED USE. (Image: Ben Holmes)

At the Scunthorpe game Zoko caught up with Carlisle defender Bevis Mugabi, with whom he played at Yeovil Town.

Zoko, 42, is now head of academy coaching at League One club Burton Albion.

Michael Raynes and his family back at Brunton Park - Carlisle United vs Scunthorpe, Enterprise National League 2026/27, Brunton Park, Photographer Ben Holmes, NO UNAUTHORISED USE. (Image: Ben Holmes)

Defender Raynes, meanwhile, returned to the club where he made 97 appearances between 2015 and 2017.

The central defender was an integral member of the Carlisle side under Keith Curle that enjoyed memorable cup games in 2015/16 against Liverpool and Everton.

The following season he was also a regular part of the team that reached the League Two play-offs.

Former defender Raynes enjoyed his return to the club - Carlisle United vs Scunthorpe, Enterprise National League 2026/27, Brunton Park, Photographer Ben Holmes, NO UNAUTHORISED USE. (Image: Ben Holmes)

Raynes, 38, is currently head of football education at Stockport County's football education programme.

Hackney, meanwhile, made his latest trip back to his former club as one of Carlisle's guests.

It saw the former winger back at the club for whom he shone between 2005 and 2009.

Hackney, who made 139 appearances and scored 17 goals for the Cumbrians, was an emerging star in the Blues team that won the League Two title in 2005/06 under Paul Simpson, while he was also a regular in the side in League One.

(Image: Simon Hackney / Instagram)

Memorable moments for Hackney included his brilliant equaliser in United's 3-1 win against Leeds United at a packed Brunton Park in 2007.

Now 42, he runs his own fitness and wellbeing business, Life Hub, in Stockport.