Football Season Review

Carlisle United missed out on a play-off place for the second successive season under manager Steven Pressley. The former Scottish international was handed the job following the shock departure of John Sheridan at the turn of the year. Sheridan resigned to take over at non-league Chesterfield shortly after threatening to quit if his players would not accept his style. It was clear his abrasive manner wasn’t appreciated by some of his squad given an inconsistent first half of the season. He left them off the play-off pace and Pressley made several changes during the January transfer window in an attempt to secure a top seven finish. His biggest problem was finding a striker capable of getting the goals to take them there. Striker Hallam Hope finished as leading scorer with 15 goals but often played off the left and midfield playmaker Jamie Devitt was asked to play the false nine role. Devitt bagged a dozen goals despite suffering a number of niggling injuries and was their outstanding performer. He was run close by goalkeeper Adam Collin, who enjoyed a fine season between the sticks after returning for a second spell. Pressley has signed up for another season, a decision which received a mixed response from supporters. His first objective this summer is retaining the services of Devitt.

Player of the Season: Jamie Devitt