Carlisle United are deeply saddened to learn, this week, of the passing of former-manager Ian MacFarlane at the age of 86.
Ian joined the Blues as boss in January 1970 and went on to introduce an exciting brand of football which captured the imagination of the supporters.
He kept the Cumbrians in the top half of Division Two during his two-and-half-year stay with the club and was responsible for bringing footballing legend Stan Bowles to Brunton Park during the 1971/72 season.
Chairman Andrew Jenkins said: “Ian was a real character and was extremely well liked by everyone who met him.
“He could often be larger than life in his approach and his enthusiasm for football would rub off on everybody.
“The style of football was good to watch, and the players responded to the way he asked them to do things.
"I was very sad to hear of his passing and would like to pass on my thoughts and condolences to his family.”
MacFarlane earned the affectionate nickname ‘The Big Man’ as he became a real presence in Carlisle and he went on to work at Middlesbrough, Sunderland, Leicester City and Leeds United in a variety of coaching, management and scouting roles when he left the club in 1972.
A tall, strong, uncompromising defender his playing career had seen him represent Aberdeen, Chelsea, Leicester City and Bath before he took up coaching roles with Manchester City and Middlesbrough prior to his appointment to the United hotseat.
The thoughts of everyone at Carlisle United are with Ian’s family at this very sad time.
