Football Season Guide

Chris Beech will feel 2021 owes him something after a miserable year so far that saw Carlisle United’s promotion dreams end in tatters. The Cumbrians were flying at the turn of the year; looking like genuine title contenders before being hit by a double whammy of a Covid-19 outbreak and dreadful winter weather. They could only look on from the sidelines as their opponents climbed above them in the table. When they eventually returned they were unable to rediscover their form and were left in mid-table obscurity. What Beech has done to deserve such bad luck God only knows. He has not only brought some much needed stability to a club that was blundering from one journeyman manager to another but breathed fresh ideas and optimism. He will be hoping that his luck turns around as they head into the new season. He has lost goalkeeper Paul Farman, defenders Nick Anderton and Rhys Bennett and strikers Joshua Kayode and Omari Patrick, all of whom were regulars last season. Burnley loanee Lukas Jensen will fight it out with Magnus Norman for the No. 1 jersey. Striker Tristan Abrahams will be hoping to realise his potential but the most exciting signing so far this summer is attacking midfielder Zack Clough, who could quickly become something of a talisman following his move from Wigan Athletic. More signings are needed, particularly in defence, if the Cumbrians are to make amends for last season and challenge for promotion.