Organisers of the eagerly anticipated Legends 94/95 v Legends 05/06 game have this week confirmed an impressive list of favourites who will be returning to Brunton Park next month to strut their stuff once again on the hallowed turf.
The players already committed to testing the legs and lungs include some real heroes, who helped the club to title-winning glory in both campaigns.
Paul Murray, who is leading the project and who will also be playing on the day, said: “The key to this is that it isn’t just a get-together.
“With every player we’ve spoken to we’ve explained the reasoning behind the event and every single one of them has wanted to be part of it because of that.
“Seeing these players again will be fantastic for the fans – some of them haven’t been back to Carlisle for a number of years – and that in itself makes it a great day.
“But knowing that it’s helping to build up a fighting fund for former Carlisle United players who may hit a bit of a rocky patch in their lives, that makes the reason to be there and be part of it just a little bit more special.”
The 1994/95 squad is set to include a bunch of local heroes, as well as some of the big names from the era who helped to take the Cumbrians to the top of the pile.
A smattering of well-known names from around that period have also been drafted in to assist.
French defender Stephane Pounewatchy provides one of the headlines, as he stands beside local lads Graham Anthony, Ian Arnold, Mark Boyd, Tony Caig, Marc Cleeland, Scott Dobie, Darren Edmondson, Gary Gill, Andy Hart, Lee Peacock, Richard Prokas, Kevin Sandwith, Gavin Skelton and Derek Walsh.
Also popping along to add to the mix are Gareth McAlindon, David Currie, Derek Mountfield, Paul Proudlock and Dean Walling.
They will be up against the 05/06 squad, with invited guests, of the likes of Chris Billy, Tom Cowan, Matty Glennon, Danny Graham, Simon Grand, Kevin Gray, Karl Hawley, Derek Holmes, Chris Lumsdon, Peter Murphy, Luke Joyce, David Raven and Jeff Smith.
The respective teams will be managed by Mick Wadsworth and Paul Simpson, with former physio Neil Dalton helping out on and off the pitch.
“We’ve spoken before about how we helped a player during the pandemic who had been faced with a few issues, and we think it’s really important that we do what we can if we hear that somebody who used to play for our club has hit hard times,” Murray added.
“That can be for any reason, be it mental health, financial, bereavement, whatever. People involved in football often struggle to reach out if they’re faced with problems, they can be embarrassed because of what everybody perceives this industry to be, so we want to be there whenever and wherever we’re needed.
“Every penny of profit from the event will go into this players’ fund. Hopefully we don’t have to use it too much, but it’s right and proper that it’s there just in case we do.
“I know the fans are excited about seeing the lads again, the lads themselves are looking forward to coming back, so it’s going to be a great day for a really good cause.
“Knowing that we can all enjoy ourselves at the same time as putting something together that can help others is a really, really good thing.
"It’ll be great for us all to be in front of a crowd again - but heaven only knows how people will decide which team to support!”
Kick off is at 1pm on Sunday 24 April, right here at Brunton Park.
The Sunset Suite and Murphy’s Bar will be open from 12pm on the day.
Tickets are on-sale now priced at £6 for those over the age of 16 and £4 for those under the age of 16.
Purchase your tickets online HERE, in-person at the ticket office or by calling 0330 094 5930.
