First team players Jamie Devitt and Anthony Gerrard were at Barn Close residential home last Thursday afternoon as they popped along to meet Jack McDowell, United’s oldest fan.
Jack turned 106-years young last month, and recalls being at the first ever football league home game in 1928, when Carlisle faced Bradford, and was a regular at Brunton Park over the years with favourites listed as the likes of Hugh McIlmoyle, Alf Ackerman, Ivor Broadis and Alan Ashman.
John Halpin and Ryan Graham from the Community Sports Trust chatted with Jack and the residents, along with Jamie and Anthony, and Jack also fondly remembered coming down to Brunton Park two years where he was guest of honour, also to celebrate his birthday.
“He was fantastic to talk to,” Anthony said. “It was fascinating to hear about where he’d grown up in Carlisle and about the players he used to watch.
“He had everybody laughing with his jokes and it was a pleasure to go along and meet him.”
“That was a really enjoyable visit,” Jamie said. “Jack was obviously delighted to see us and he was even playing with a football at one point.
“He certainly keeps all of the staff on their toes and his jokes had us all laughing. It was brilliant to see him in such high spirits.”
A happy 106th birthday to Jack from everybody at the club.
