We can only say well done to the Warwickroadenders who have done such a magnificent job - under their own initiative - of giving the iconic southern area of the stadium a much-needed spruce up ... and all in their own time during the school half-term break.
Jamie Mulholland, Callum Conley, Caden Carrigan, Harry Crook, Kyle Douglas, Sonny Kirkwood, Sam Davidson and Jay Mackay are the chief protagonists, with their efforts greatly appreciated by everybody at the club - staff, officials and supporters alike.
Supporter Liaison Officer Simon Clarkson explained how the activity came about: "The idea came from our young fans, so once the club asked me to co-ordinate and backed it financially, the rest fell into place.
"Reps from Carlisle United Supporters Groups (CUSG) volunteered their time and local business Paintwell have provided a superb service with Jo and Lesley looking after us.”
Nigel Davidson, the CUSG Equality, Diversity and Inclusion rep said: "It’s been great to see the enthusiasm from our younger supporters.
"These guys are part of the club’s future and it’s important that we engage well with them now, so they continue to support their local club. Well done all of you!”
Matt Spooner, Chair of Carlisle United Official Supporters Club (CUOSC) said: "It's great to see fans wanting to contribute to make the match day experience better. Everybody involved should be proud of what they've done, and we hope this is just the start!"
Dan McLennan, Vice Chair of CUOSC, looked forward to the next phase and added: "Just over £1500 was raised by fans to support the lads making the WRE a hive of blue and white activity.
"We’re currently in the process of ordering some items, which will make the WRE a spectacle to behold. Unfortunately, these items have a production/delivery time of approximately four weeks, but the wait will be worth it!”
Summing up the thoughts of the younger fans who have worked hard all week, Sonny Kirkwood said: "We have enjoyed helping down in the Warwick Road End to give it a much-needed makeover. It was great to meet Simmo, Morgan and Kristian on Tuesday and it is fantastic to see that they recognise what we are doing.
"This is a long-term project and won’t be completed within just a week, it will take effort and commitment by everyone involved. We have loved the experience and we hope the fans like it.”
Jonny Sunley, CUFC police liaison officer, said: "This group should be proud of what they’ve achieved by pulling this together with the support of the club.
"Hopefully, it’s just beginning of what we can all go on to achieve and make match days an even better atmosphere."
Chief executive Nigel Clibbens said: "This is simply brilliant. For these young fans to step up and do this themselves, come in and give up their school holidays, is simply brilliant.
"They deserve huge credit and thanks. They are really proud of what they have done and so they should be - it looks great. I can’t wait to see the reaction of the fans when they see the work that’s been done.
"We had a great chat together today [Thursday] talking about it and what they want to do next in the Warwick. We will be delighted to continue to help and support their ideas ... so watch this space!"
Manager Paul Simpson, who visited the group on-site on Tuesday, said: "What's been hapening is just magnificent.
"I tell you what, it doesn’t half look smart as well. It’s all part of the positive feeling that’s around the place, and really well done to them.
"Credit to them. I think young people nowadays get a lot of stick, everybody wants to tell us what they’re not doing right and what they’re doing wrong. These fellas have come out, off their own back, taken it upon themselves.
"They’ve done a really good job. What I would say is I hope when we play our next home game I can’t see any of the barriers because it’s full, but they’ve done a brilliant job.
"I went over with Morgan Feeney and Kris Dennis to have a chat to them. One of them I noticed had painted a blue moustache on himself, hopefully they’ve got more paint on the railings than each other over the rest of the week!"
