Carlisle United were formed in 1904, and for most of their existence – since 1909 – have played at Brunton Park. After initially playing in the Lancashire Combination and the North Eastern League, in 1928 they were elected to Division Three (North). Although most of the subsequent decades found them in either the third or fourth tier, the team spent 15 seasons in the Division Two between the mid-1960s and mid-1980s, their success peaking in 1974/75, when they spent one season in Division One. Although they finished bottom and were instantly relegated, three games into the season, having defeated Chelsea, Middlesbrough and Spurs, Carlisle were on top of English football. – somethat that not even Bill Shankly could have dreamed of when he managed the club as his first managerial role, although he had described their promotion to Division One as “the greatest feat in the history of the game”.

Carlisle United endured a turbulent spell in the 1990s under owner Michael Knighton, who had previously held a stake in Manchester United. Knighton boldly declared his ambition to take Carlisle into the Premier League—but things quickly unraveled. After controversially appointing himself manager, the club was relegated to the fourth tier. Their Football League status was saved in dramatic fashion in 1999, thanks to a last-minute goal by loan goalkeeper Jimmy Glass.

Relegation to the Conference finally came in 2003, making Carlisle the first club to have played in all top five tiers of English football. A revival followed, with back-to-back promotions lifting them to League One by 2006. They remained at that level until 2014, reaching the play-offs in 2007/08, before slipping to League Two in 2016/17. Promotion back to League One in 2022/23 brought fresh hope, but was followed by back-to-back relegations—leaving the Cumbrians once again outside the Football League.

Mark Hughes, widely known as “Sparky”, arrived at Carlisle in February 2024 with the club in trouble and facing relegation, and after the transfer window had slammed firmly shut. Too late to impose any substantive change, under his leadership, the team won five of their final 18 games. Midway through the following season, his task remains clear: to engineer a rapid return to the EFL.

Before coming to manage the Cumbrians, Hughes’ most recent managerial position had been at Bradford City, but before that he had managed several clubs higher up the pyramid – Southampton, Stoke City, QPR, Fulham, Blackburn Rovers and even Manchester City, where he replaced Sven-Göran Eriksson. However, his longest-serving managerial position was for the Wales national team, where he was in charge from 1999 to 2004.

As a player, Hughes was a formidable attacking midfielder. He scored 16 goals for Wales and 120 for Manchester United across two spells spanning 14 years. He also played for Barcelona, Chelsea, Southampton, and Blackburn Rovers, among other clubs. Carlisle’s ambitious ownership clearly believe his top-level experience is what’s needed to turn around Carlisle’s fortunes. – could they be the first club to return to the Football League after only one season below it for a second time?

At this stage of the season, it seems extremely unlikely that Carlisle will not, at least, qualify for the season-end promotion playoffs. By any measure, this season has marked a definite return to form for the Cumbrians. A few warning signs have come from clashes with some of the other leading teams, most notably a 5-0 loss to York City, followed by a 2-0 defeat by Rochdale, while a 2-0 defeat by Boreham Wood could prove decisive, too.

This season’s fixture for Rovers at Brunton Park was a game to remember – even if it was one that was ultimately frustrating for FGR. Carlisle went ahead after 18 minutes with a goal from Regan Linney, only for James Clarke to net an equaliser for Rovers later in the first half. A second Linney goal at the end of the half restored Carlisle’s lead. Harvey Bunker drew the score back to 2-2 for Rovers in the second half, but Rovers were then reduced to 10 men after Laurent Mendy received a second yellow card. A Carlisle goal towards the end of the second half, and an injury-time penalty, ended up with the hosts obtaining a 4-2 victory.

The most recent by the Cumbrians to Nailsworth was in January 2022, during FGR’s promotion season from League Two. Both wings of the “Matt Attack” – Mathew Stevens and Jamille Matt – contributed to the 3-0 victory, with a Carlisle own goal completing the tally.

Forest Green Rovers F.C. – The New Lawn, Another Way, Nailsworth, Stroud, GL6 0FG

Parking is available in the adjacent school car park, just a short walk from the stadium. Spaces cost £15 per car and must be booked in advance by calling 0333 123 1889 (Monday, Thursday and Friday at 11am to 2pm) or by emailing reception@fgr.co.uk.

Alternatively, you can use the Park and Ride service from Renishaw (Bath Road, Nailsworth, Stroud, GL5 5EY). It opens at 3pm on matchday and costs £5 per car (card only).

If parking on surrounding streets, please be considerate of local residents.

Rovers Raffle – organised by the Supporters Club to subsidise away travel, ground improvements, Women’s, Academy teams etc. Tickets cost £1 each (cash or card accepted) with winners announced at half time or check winning numbers here – Raffle Results – Forest Green Rovers Supporters Club

Fan Zone – Fan Zone to the right of the ground entrance, behind the North Stand. Open to home & away supporters. The Fan Zone has a food truck, bar, toilets and a large marquee with picnic benches and live music from about 4:00pm.

The Green Man  – Normally home fans only,  serves food and drink. Opens 2:30pm.

Gym Bar – Open again in the East Stand, and open to other home supporters after the match.

Club Shop – Opens 2:30pm. TNL is a cashless stadium. To find out about hospitality and events, please email hospitality@fgr.co.uk.