Football Season Review

Carlisle continued their transition under Greg Abbott as they managed a top-half finish and picked up the Johnstones’ Paint Trophy. The club were well beaten by Southampton in last year’s final, but their fans had another trip to Wembley this season and were able to celebrate victory after a deserved 1-0 win over Brentford, with long-serving player Peter Murphy scoring the winner. Abbott has continued to make some inspired signings, with Francois Loko proving to be this year’s gem. The French forward has been courted by several clubs in and above League 1, but he showed loyalty sadly lacking in Vincent Pericard last year. Abbott will be hoping Zoko stays for another year and, with some good youngsters such as player of the season James Berrett around, there is plenty of optimism around the club. Whilst a top six finish never looked likely this year, the Cumbrians never looked like struggling either, and they hovered around mid-table for the majority of the season. However, the JPT win will have more than appeased the fans, although they might be expecting an assault on promotion next year. Abbott settled on a solid 4-4-2 with a midfield diamond and no wingers this season, and that has made his side very hard to beat. However, they have struggled to break sides down this term, and Abbott will probably be looking for more wide options over the summer. Kevan Hurst failed to make an impression and has already been released, while Matty Robson has converted to a full-back, playing the final quarter of the season in that position following Sean McDaid’s career-ending injury followed by Joe Dudgeon’s knee injury after just one game. Carlisle certainly looked like contenders at times over the course of the season, but lacked consistency. If they can improve again for next term then they will surely be a team to watch out for.

Player of the Season: James Berrett