MINUTES FROM THE NOVEMBER CUSG MEETING

7pm, Monday 2nd November 2026

Attendees: John Kukuc (Chair), Simon Clarkson (SLO), Claire Winder (Supporters’ Trust), Andrew George (CUSCSC), Claire Burgess (Away Travel), Suzanne Kidd (CUFC), Tom Little (CUFC), John Bowman (London Branch), Tom Lawrence (CUFC), Derek Paterson (CUHG), Teresa Mulholland (CST)

Apologies: Dave Gale, Sonny Kirkwood.

1. Club Updates – Suzanne Kidd

Full club update attached HERE!

I have amended the club update to fall in line with our 4 Pillars – Football, Business, Supporters and Community.

FOOTBALL

• Upturn in results – a great week saw 9 points from 9.
• First time CUFC have had 4 consecutive away wins since the 1994/95 season when we achieved 5 consecutive wins.
• Tom Anderson joined on loan from Shrewsbury until January 2027.
• Callum Camps joined on loan from Stockport County until January 2027.
• Jonah Lowes recalled from a successful loan at Darlington.
• Morgan Feeney extended his contract until June 2029.
• FA Cup first round this weekend against Salford at home. All sections open.
• Matchdays – supporter behaviour much improved in Section 4. Intervention work seems to have been heard, and we are grateful for this.
• LED boards had brightness adjusted for the Harrogate evening match – I have seen no feedback on this – so assume the reduced brightness worked?

BUSINESS

• Gates continue to hold well – with an average of 6,808 after the Harrogate game (home fan average is 6,586).
• Retail now planning for Christmas sales.
• Commercial continues to work hard – hospitality packages selling well and matchday sponsorship packages almost sold out. We are still seeing great support from local businesses, and our partnership programme is performing well.
• An upgraded till system is planned for the Boston United match on 14 November. Most matchday catering outlets will move to card-only payments, with cash continuing to be accepted at the Glass Bar and Murphy’s. Supporters will receive clear information ahead of the fixture about the changes and where cash payments remain available.

SUPPORTERS

• Ticket office has launched half-season tickets for the first time since the 22/23 season – now on sale. Friday 18th December is the sales deadline; the half-season ticket starts with Hartlepool on 28 December.
• Successful Halloween event delivered on the day of the Harrogate match. It was well supported by the local community and fans alike. Any feedback on this would be welcome – we are always looking for ways to improve. On top of this, there was an Olga’s Army signing session held on the 26th October, which was also very popular. Thank you to Jasmine and the team who worked hard for the event.

COMMUNITY

• Our Remembrance match will be the Boston game on 14th November.
• EDI work continues with representation on matchdays – see separate EDI report.
• Player visit to James Rennie School planned this week.

CUSG GROUP QUESTIONS

SOUTH CUMBRIA BRANCH

1. CUTV: Value for Money

Does the club believe CUTV currently offers value for money to supporters who subscribe to the service?

It offers reasonable value with scope for improvement, which will be achieved through incorporation into a wider membership and a clearer content schedule. An annual CUTV subscription costs around £4 per month and gives supporters access to a library of around 1,000 pieces of content. That works out at less than 5p per available piece of content, with around 100 new exclusive pieces planned each season. Pitchside Blues, match streams, and full press conferences make up the majority of this. Supporters also benefit from convenient access through the club app, while their subscriptions help us invest in producing better content.

2. Three in the Middle Podcast and Pre-Match Entertainment

The Three in the Middle podcast episode recorded at Brunton Park before the Harrogate fixture was exactly the sort of content that could have been shown on the big screen and CUTV as part of the pre-match build-up. It feels like a missed opportunity.

Thank you for the good suggestion. We have been working with the Heritage Group and have shown some classic highlights. We always try to get the right balance between that and whatever big match is on.

3. Team News on the Big Screen

Can we have the team news and starting line-ups displayed on the big screen again before matches? Is there a reason this has stopped, and are there plans to bring it back?

We will look at the logistics of this suggestion. Most fans are receiving these updates on their phone.

DISABLED FAN GROUP

1. Sensory room: I understand that a sensory room is planned. Is there an expected timescale for this, and where in the stadium is it likely to be located?

This is in the early planning stages and not necessarily a room. We intend to consult widely with relevant groups.

2. West Stand access: A supporter has asked about the possibility of a lift being installed in the West Stand. I explained that this may be difficult in the foreseeable future given the age and construction of the stand. I suggested that the existing lift to Foxy's could potentially provide an alternative accessible route, although this requires travelling through Foxy's and the executive box area. I have used this route previously without difficulty, so it may be worth exploring whether this could be an option for supporters where appropriate. Where someone's mobility needs change significantly, relocation to a more accessible part of the stadium may ultimately be necessary.

Unfortunately, due to the construction of the West Stand, it is not possible to add a lift. We get this in the feedback regularly – a suggestion for a lift to B or C Stand, but there is no unobstructed outer wall that would accommodate a lift.

SLO

1. Any update on the loyalty scheme and top-level briefing?

Tom Little: The Fan Engagement Strategy is complete, and I am happy to provide a verbal briefing. It sets out how we will give supporters a clearer voice, improve their experience and recognise their loyalty. We have a strong starting point. Key plans include exploring a club-wide loyalty/membership scheme, quarterly updates from the owners, regular CUSG meetings and two fans’ forums per season. A new online Fan Engagement Hub, annual supporter survey and regular “You Said, We Did” updates will make it easier to give feedback and see how it influences decisions. The strategy also covers stronger engagement across Cumbria and with supporters living further afield, alongside work with families, young supporters, women and girls, and improvements to accessibility. The loyalty scheme’s structure, benefits and launch timetable are still to be confirmed, with supporter input helping to shape the proposals.

Tom Little: The update planned for September was reviewed with Tom Lawrence and it was thought it should be less frequent (quarterly) and part of the overall fan engagement strategy.

2. Is the United mural opposite the Blues Store being replaced? Overall plan for the site to be worked on in the new year.

Tom Little: This is in our plans. We welcome suggestions from the group as to what to do with the old one. Looking at several options, including removing it and replacing it with something that can be changed & weatherproofed, going with what the University of Cumbria planned or something completely different like an electronic board.

CW: Dan McLennan gave consent for this to be removed some time ago when it was originally being planned to change.

3. The Club Charter published on the website is 25/26. When will this be updated?

ASAP.

4. After the issues with Tamworth fans in A Stand, will the Club ever use that area again for away fans?

No plans for the remainder of this season. We tried to balance out stadium costs with the risk associated with Tamworth fans.

SUPPORTERS’ TRUST

1. Any update to the shop loyalty scheme?

This will be replaced with a club-wide loyalty scheme. As above, we are looking at a club-wide loyalty scheme. In terms of retail, we offer a wide range of discounts through season tickets, memberships and regular in-store promotions. Our shirts remain among the cheapest in the country.

2. Any promotions planned for Black Friday?

Yes – planning is underway.

3. Is there an update on the issues discussed last month about Section 4?

SK: There have been a lot of interventions and joint work with the police and secondary schools regarding the impact antisocial behaviour has on others and potential consequences. We have worked with 3 families, and 2 other supporters came forward to discuss the issues with us. The stewarding has been reviewed and upgraded. We are grateful to everyone who has worked with us and are pleased to say there have not been further incidents.

2. Fan Engagement Strategy & Calendar – Tom Little

Tom presented the strategy which has 4 pillars:

• Clearer engagement with visible impact
• Connected experience with rewarded loyalty - Tom Little to meet with groups regarding how memberships will complement each other and promote inclusion rather than exclusivity.
• Proud to be Cumbrian
• Lead the way in community and inclusion

Owner updates to be quarterly: autumn, winter, spring and summer.

2 CEO/Fan Forums are likely to be in December and March with exact timings to be confirmed.

2 Youth Fan Forums are likely to be January and April with timings to be confirmed.

3. Hall of Fame – Tom Little

Still planned to happen. A new plan is being formulated as part of the fan engagement strategy.

4. Equality, Diversity and Disabled – Dave Gale & Teresa Mulholland

TM:

• Thank you to Dave Gale for his efforts. He is a great addition to the team.
• Men’s health month: Dean Walling to be asked to participate. We will be working with the Barry Kilby Prostate Cancer Appeal who have brought a bus before to promote awareness of prostate cancer.
• There is a 12-week programme called “Versus Cancer” which supports people before and after cancer treatment. It is planned there will be a cancer café to provide ongoing support after completion of the programme.
• Complimentary tickets are available for the Remembrance game on 14th November vs Boston United. Veterans of all services and Reservists can apply for a ticket via EDI@carlisleunited.co.uk by the 9th November.

DG: This is a slightly shorter update than usual, as there have been relatively few issues raised recently and supporters generally seem to be adapting to the current parking arrangements.

The entrance to the Warwick Road End from the Paddock side appears to be working well for wheelchair users.

I watched the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round fixture against Tamworth from the Paddock wheelchair area and had a very positive experience. The view was excellent; the stewards were helpful and there was a friendly atmosphere among supporters in the area. Although there had been some concern about sections of the stadium being closed for the fixture, the Warwick Road End remained available to wheelchair users, providing accessible capacity for those wishing to attend.

I identified two maintenance issues with accessible toilets:

• In the Paddock disabled toilet, the handrail to the left of the toilet is loose and does not appear capable of safely supporting weight.
• In the disabled toilet normally allocated to away supporters, the handrail on the rear of the door has broken off. This made closing the door difficult and could present a greater problem for supporters with more limited mobility.

Despite these issues, my overall experience of the Paddock wheelchair area was very positive, and I would be happy to use it again for FA Trophy fixtures where attendance and capacity allow.

Accessible Stadia guidance

The second edition of the Accessible Stadia guidance is due to be released on 25th November, in conjunction with Level Playing Field, with the launch taking place at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium. Once it is published, I plan to review the updated guidance against Brunton Park's current accessibility arrangements and identify practical opportunities for further improvement.

I may also attend the launch, subject to work commitments.

5. Memory Garden – Simon Clarkson

The final piece to the garden will be completed next week with the monument stone being installed on the 12th November in time for the service at the garden on 14th November.

6. Finance Report - Michelle Hall

Balance in bank: £1,862.06

7. SLO update – Simon Clarkson & Claire Burgess

Claire Burgess, the away SLO, provides tremendous support on matchdays to our fans, ranging from excellent quality pre-match information, at-stadium visibility, liaison with our hosts and being the family liaison for the away mascot scheme, with mascots most recently at Solihull and Altrincham.

This season, fan information regarding away fixtures is on Microsoft Sway and the feedback is extremely positive. Claire will be contacting clubs throughout the season to see if the ground will be segregated for those that are unable to stand. Keith Elliott continues to provide great support with social media.

It was great to see that Solihull reacted well to the poor weather and allowed our fans to use a covered stand instead, with the only downside that no hot beverages were available. We learned a lot from a dangerous bus embarkation process last year and thanks to advance dialogue with the police and Solihull, a safe and sensible solution was arranged.

Aldershot also responded positively to proactive SLO engagement by catering for those that couldn't walk to the away end by being flexible with post-match coach pick-up arrangements.

The SLO team of meeters and greeters at Brunton Park all provide a warm welcome and support any fans who have any queries on a matchday. The visiting community groups in A Stand are given a mini pitchside tour by the SLO team where they answer questions from the young visitors. A big thanks to the team for the extra time they put in to cover the excellent Halloween event before going into the usual pre-match activities.

We are always on the lookout for more meeters and greeters, so please get in touch if you would like to join the team. As a thank you for helping, you will receive a complimentary match ticket.

The SLO team can be contacted on X at @CUFC_SLO

8. Group updates:

Heritage Group – Derek Paterson

The Carlisle United Heritage Group (CUHG) maintain display cabinets outside the ticket office and at the Brampton Road University of Cumbria (UoC) campus where the archive is based. The most recent display at the UoC celebrated Black History Month and attracted visitors including Niall from Valued Voices, Teresa Mulholland and Border TV.

We receive many requests for information from the public, and this aspect is a real joy as we regularly provide information and photos. We also regularly host former players with our most recent visitor being Graham (Tot) Winstanley. We will be continuing to contribute to the United in Memories sessions going forward.

We supported an event at the Harraby Catholic Club on 26 September (Reeves and Wadsworth) and will also have a display at the Box Arena on 13 November (Walling and Bridges).

We are developing a website and now have over 1,200 followers of our Facebook page where there are regular posts promoting our activities and former players, including birthday mentions.

We are grateful to have received a huge amount of donations, but items can still be donated for the archive. If you would like to donate any items, need any information held or can help with any aspect of this project, please contact archives@carlisleunited.co.uk

Section 4 – Sonny Kirkwood

No update.

Scottish Supporters – Keith Ward

No update.

Supporters’ Trust – Claire Winder

Here's our latest newsletter:

https://sway.cloud.microsoft/h0bobWddoRO38BIE?ref=Link

Our AGM is 6th Nov - members can attend in person or online. 3 people have stood for election/re-election to the Board; our accounts have been shared for approval & we have proposed an update to the society rules (based on the recommendations from the FSA).

We have seats available for the bus to Barrow. There will be buses available for Halifax and Gateshead. Book online: https://www.cust.org.uk/away-travel/

The Halloween After Dark event was excellent, fun and well run. We attended with our foot darts where we had over 200 players. The 2 winners of club shop vouchers were Rudy, who won £40, and Sam, who won £20.

London Branch - John Bowman

A large number of branch members enjoyed our win at Aldershot and attendances in central London to watch games on DAZN continue to be good. The scenes in the Three Lanterns as the Harrogate game unfolded will live long in the memory. Remember these TV games are open to ALL Carlisle fans. Email chairman@cusclb.com to book places.

The latest print edition of Hit the Bar! is being delivered to members this week and electronic versions are landing in inboxes. As ever, copies are available in the club shop at Brunton Park.

The training kit for CUFC ladies has been delivered and features in our sponsorship update in HTB! along with the Jack Ellis banner, the Academy Goal of the Month medals and our sponsorship of the Brunton Park First Time Visitor scheme.

Branch member Craig Milne from Runcorn School has organised a trip for his class to Brunton Park for the Boston match on November 14th. The branch has contributed £100, to be divided into on-the-day prizes and school year prizes in consultation with Craig.

Branch members will be in the 74/75 Lounge for the Boston match on 14th November for the annual London Weekend in Carlisle.

Following the success of the 2026 annual branch summer weekend in Copenhagen, Munich has been chosen as the 2027 venue.

Thanks to Solihull for organising the covered area for fans to stand under. Are there plans to look at a covered area for away fans visiting Brunton Park?

SK: We looked at options for covering the seated area in the Petteril End / Waterworks but nothing was viable. We continue to look at options.

South Lakes – Andrew George

It’s been a very positive month for the South Cumbria Supporters Club, particularly in terms of away travel and engagement.

Over the last month, we have organised and run coaches to AFC Fylde, Solihull Moors and Altrincham. This represents a massive upturn in organised travel and match attendance for our branch, and it’s encouraging to see the level of interest and support.

I would particularly like to thank Fran Perruzza and his partner Sarah, who joined the South Cumbria committee this season. Both have been incredibly proactive in helping drive the supporters club forward, particularly around increasing membership, improving communications and organising away travel.

Their efforts have made a real difference, and I think it’s important that their contribution is recognised.

Upcoming Travel and Community Initiatives

Looking ahead, we have further away travel planned for Barrow, Halifax and Gateshead, as we look to build on the momentum we’ve established.

We are also working alongside Ibis Junior, Simon Clarkson, Carlisle United and the Community Ticket Scheme on an initiative to provide free match tickets and transport for up to 100 school children from the South Cumbria area.

This is something we’re particularly pleased to be involved with. As a supporters club, we want to do more than simply organise coaches to football matches. We want to help make Carlisle United accessible to young supporters and families across South Cumbria, particularly those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend games.

Again, a big thank you to Fran and Sarah for their work in helping move this initiative forward.

Mascot Experience at Altrincham

I would also like to extend a big thank you to Simon Clarkson and the Supporter Liaison Officer (SLO) team for helping facilitate an opportunity for one of our junior members, Eli Nield, to be a mascot at the recent away fixture against Altrincham.

These are the kinds of experiences that can create lifelong memories for young supporters, and we really appreciate the club’s assistance in making it happen.

Overall, it’s been a really encouraging period for the South Cumbria Supporters Club.

We’re seeing increased engagement, more supporters travelling to games and some genuinely positive community initiatives taking shape.

The aim now is to maintain that momentum, continue growing the branch and strengthen the relationship between Carlisle United and its supporters across South Cumbria.

Note - we even have new members from the Barrow area.

9. AOB:

Date of next meeting:

14th December 2026