The Brunton Bugle - A Carlisle United Podcast

A great win for United over Forest Green Rovers at the weekend should have been held up as a fantastic advert for the National League, has instead been (unsurprisingly) turned into another episode of the Robbie Savage Show.

Despite this, we try our best to focus as much as we can on what was an exciting and action-packed game of football, before looking ahead to the Blues' long trip to Somerset this weekend to face Yeovil Town.

Lots discussed in this episode, including:

📰 News update

🤩 Forest Green Rovers win re...

After overcoming a slight wobble after half-time, United are comfortably into the FA Cup First Round after the comprehensive win over Boston United. Their reward? A trip to Berkshire to take on struggling League One side Reading. Chance of a cup-upset? Stranger things have happened.

With the cup competitions out of the way, it's back to the league and it's a mouth-watering clash against fellow promotion contenders Forest Green Rovers, or to give them their full title, Robbie Savage's Forest Green Rovers™.

Lots discussed in this episode, including:

📰 News update

...

After consecutive defeats against fellow promotion contenders, what better way for United to get back on track ahead of the FA Cup break by recording back-to-back wins against Hartlepool United and Scunthorpe United - can those results kick start the Blues' campaign? Is the FA Cup an unwanted distraction? And will the club ever announce a big new signing before we record a podcast? (welcome, Chris Conn-Clarke!)

We look back on the wins over the Monkey Hangers and the Iron before looking ahead to this weekend's FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round tie with Boston United.

United's unbeaten home run under Hughes comes to an end, as promotion rivals Rochdale pick up a comfortable 2-0 win at Brunton Park - is it time to start panicking, or are expectations for this season just a bit too unrealistic?

We look back on the loss to The Dale before looking ahead to this week's fixtures against Hartlepool United and Scunthorpe United.

Lots discussed in this episode, including:

🏆 FA Cup draw

👎 Rochdale defeat reviewed

🚫 No opposition chat

🐒 Hartlepool United (H) preview

🔨 Scunthorpe Unit...

The first big test of the season for the Blues... and it's fair to say, they failed it miserably against an impressive York side. With many of the York goals being the result of United's own failings, can Mark Hughes' side bounce back this weekend, when fellow promotion hopefuls Rochdale make the trip up to Cumbria?

In this episode of the Brunton Bugle, we look back on the 5-0 loss against the Minstermen before looking ahead to the visit of United's most common opponent in first-team fixtures - lots discussed including:

💩 York City def...

It's four wins in a row for United as they see off Aldershot Town and Altrincham to move into second place in the league - but now comes the real test, with five consecutive fixtures against some of the expected promotion and play-off contenders this season - starting off with a trip to fellow big spenders York City.

The lads look back on the 2-0 win over the Shots and 2-1 victory at Alty, before previewing the trip over to Yorkshire to face the Minstermen.

Lots discussed in this episode, including:

United's unbeaten start at home this season continues with a comfortable home win over Truro City - and shock horror, there's more genius from Regan Linney. Has there been a better or more impactful signing for the Blues in recent memory?

We look back on the 3-0 win over The Tinners before previewing the visit of free-scoring and conceding Aldershot Town to Brunton Park - and along the way, there's a bit of a discussion about the rumours linking the Blues with Peterborough midfielder Chris Conn-Clarke.

Lots discussed in this episode, including:

After the disappointing and drab performance at Sutton, United got back to winning ways in midweek with a thoroughly professional performance at Brackley, picking up all three points thanks to a goal from the man of the moment, Regan Linney. That's three wins out of four on our travels so far this season, and all from long trips down south - not a bad start all-round!

The lads look back on the 1-0 win in Northamptonshire before previewing our first ever game against Cornish opposition, as Truro City make the long journey up to Cumbria. Can...

The unbeaten start to the season is over for United as an underwhelming performance at Sutton sees them drop all three points - but can they bounce back straight away with a midweek trip to Northamptonshire to face Brackley?

The lads look back on the 2-1 loss in the capital, before previewing the trip to St James Park - as well as discuss the news of a new but familiar arrival at Brunton Park on-loan...

Lots discussed in this epsiode, including:

📰 News round-up

👎 Sutton defeat reviewed

🔍 Oppositio...

What was all the worry about? United's unbeaten start continues as they record back-to-back wins for the first time this season in a Bank Holiday double-header - though the six goals scored weren't exactly evenly spread across the two games.

The narrow victory over Wealdstone followed by the battering of Braintree Town at Brunton Park leaves United in third place in the table after five games - can they keep up the momentum this weekend with a first-ever win at early strugglers Sutton United?

Lots discussed in this episode, including:

👍 Wea...

After the disappointment of the draw with Boreham Wood, it was hoped that the visit of Solihull would get a response out of United, but it was a flat performance from the Blues as they were held to a draw by the Midlands side in an encounter that won't stay long in the memory with regards to entertainment factor.

Though as we've been saying, games are coming thick and fast at the start of the season and Mark Hughes' side have the chance to respond quickly this weekend as they face a Bank Holiday double-header against...

A little bit of a bump back down to earth for United as their opening day win at Woking is followed by a draw against a decent Boreham Wood side - but having led 3-1 with twelve minutes to go, there's big questions over the return of defensive frailties that have dogged the Blues for the last two seasons.

But there's a quick chance for United to respond as the early season games come thick and fast, with Solihull Moors coming to Brunton Park for their first ever fixture against the Cumbrians.

Lots...

One down, 45 (or 43 - sorry Morecambe) to go!

Things couldn't have gone much better for United as they picked up a comfortable three points to open the campaign in the Surrey sunshine last weekend - a professional performance that could be the blueprint for many away trips this season?

After the win over Woking, it's time to renew acquaintances with our friends from Boreham Wood in the opening home fixture of the season - hopefully there will be a lot less discussion about kettles and "orange" juice this time around.

...

After what has felt like a very long summer, proper football is back as United get their National League campaign underway this weekend at Woking!

That of course, means it's time for the first preview episode of the season and the lads are together to discuss the opening day clash in Surrey. Alongside chat about interest facts, including how H.G. Wells, KFC and Death all have a link to the town of Woking. Well worth a listen I reckon.

Lots discussed including:

🔍 Opposition chat with Jacob from Cardinals 1887

♦...

There's just a few days to go until the start of the new campaign, so it's time for our Season Preview episode! This time of course, we are going into a bit of the unknown, as United play in the National League for the first time in 20 years - so long ago, that it wasn't even called the National League back then!

In this episode of the Brunton Bugle, we chat about some of the main contenders for promotion this season, who will struggle near the bottom and who is destined for mid-table obscurity, alongside United's...

After enjoying a month off, the Bugle is back to discuss what's been happening at Brunton Park during pre-season as the Blues get ready for their first season at National League level in 20 years. Can Mark Hughes repeat what Paul Simpson did back in 2005, and get his side back into the league at the first attempt?

It's certainly been a busy month in July, with comings and goings at Brunton Park and other major announcements - plenty covered in this week's recording including:

⚽ Pre-season fixture round-up

🤝 New signings

👕 Away kit reve...

It's been a few weeks since we last record, but it's certainly been a busy one for the Blues despite the season being over and the players having only just returned to pre-season training this week - signings, departures, staff appointments and the internal review - lots to cover!

In this episode of the Brunton Bugle, Lee is joined by Dan and Nick - it's the last episode of the 24/25 season so we'll be taking a short break now and returning in a couple of weeks when the fixtures are released. Thanks for your brilliant support...

It's been a while, but we're finally back with a post-season news round-up - and there's plenty to cover in this episode.

The big news of course was the confirmation that Mark Hughes would remain in the hotseat for United's first season at National League level in 20 years - can he build on the decent home-form at the end of the campaign and get United back to the EFL at the first attempt?

Lots of topics discussed in this episode, including:

🤝 Sparky stays on as boss

🧑‍💼 New Director of Football...

United brought their current spell in the EFL to an end last weekend with a valiant 2-2 draw against Salford City - a result that ruined the Ammies hopes of a play-off place. A solid end to a fairly wretched campaign for the Blues - with non-league football on the horizon for next season, what lies next for the club?

In this episode of the Brunton Bugle, we chat about the final day draw and discuss some of the news that has come out of the club this week, as we await news on Mark Hughes...

All roads lead to Truro next season, as United's relegation to the National League is confirmed by defeat at Cheltenham. A miserable campaign ending on a damp squib after just the slightest ray of hope in the last few weeks.

In this episode of the Brunton Bugle, we discuss the 3-2 loss to the Robins, some initial reaction to relegation and look ahead to a fairly pointless final day of the season against Salford City at home - lots discussed including...

😭 Cheltenham defeat

⬇️ Relegation impact

📰 News

🔴 Salford preview

Almost a perfect Easter for the Blues, but despite dropping two points Accrington after a superb win over table-toppers Port Vale, they are still (just about) in the relegation battle. Can Sparky still pull off the Greatest of all Great Escapes?

In this episode of the Brunton Bugle, we chat about the win over the Valiants and the draw with Stanley, before previewing the final away game of the season at Cheltenham - lots discussed including...

🤩 Port Vale win reviewed

🥛 Accrington draw discussed

🐦 Cheltenham Town preview

📈Permutations discussed <...

So, Adam comes back on the pod and United finally end the 99-game wait for two wins in a row... surely not a co-incidence? Either way, a big result for the Blues in the battle to avoid the drop - can they pull off the most incredible of miracles and beat relegation?

In this episode of the Brunton Bugle, we review the 2-0 win over Morecambe and look ahead to the Easter Weekend double-header against Port Vale and Accrington Stanley - plenty covered including:

🦐 Morecambe win review

⚪ Port Vale Preview

🥛 A...

Adam returns to the pod after a three-month absence and what a game to return on - the Blues come from two down for the first time in a decade to secure a vital three points and keep survival hopes alive. Can they pull off the Greatest of Escapes?

In this episode of the Brunton Bugle, we review the 3-2 win over Newport, before previewing a huge clash at Morecambe - plenty covered including:

📰 News round-up

😃 Newport win reviewed

🔍 Away fan view with Dave from the Shrimps Verdict

🦐 Morec...

Better late than never, as they say, for this week's pod... though with the two results we have to talk about, maybe never would have been a better option? Defeats to Doncaster Rovers and Chesterfield leave United teetering on the edge of falling into non-league football - it's a must win-game this weekend, so can they perform a minor miracle and get all three points against Newport County?

In this episode of the Brunton Bugle, we look back on the away defeat against Donny and the Spireites, before previewing the huge game with the exiles at...

Two wins in a row continues to elude United, but a hard-earned point after coming from behind twice against MK Dons shows the fighting spirit remains - can they keep the unbeaten run going and get two positives results from tough away games at Doncaster Rovers and Chesterfield and keep alive the fight to stay in the EFL?

In this episode of the Brunton Bugle, we look back on the 2-2 draw against the Dons and look ahead to the trips to face Donny and the Spireites - plenty covered including:

📰 News round-up

The predictable Harry McKirdy goal arrived, but United still ran out winners, with a much-improved performance leading to a 2-1 victory against Bromley. Can this finally be the catalyst to a Great Escape? Only if they can follow it up with consecutive league wins for the first time in 94 games.

In this episode of the Brunton Bugle, we look back on the 2-1 win against the Ravens, before previewing the midweek home clash with MK Dons - plenty covered including:

🥳 Bromley Review

🚫 No away fan chat

🐄 Preview of the MK Dons c...

Another defeat for United leaves them nine points adrift of safety with ten games to go - is relegation as good as sorted, or is everyone throwing the towel in a bit too easily?

In this episode of the Brunton Bugle, Lee is joined by guest host Nick to review the 2-1 loss to AFC Wimbledon, before looking ahead to this weekend's huge clash with Bromley at Brunton Park - lots discussed including:

📰 News round-up

👎AFC Wimbledon match review

🔍 Away fan view with Mash from the "From Bromley With Love" cha...

Death, taxes and... Carlisle United failing to beat Harrogate Town. Three certainties we can all expect in life. The Hoodoo continues as United are done by a late own-goal - can the Great Escape get back on track this weekend at Brunton Park, or will it be the opening notes of The Last Post that ring out on a disastrous campaign.

In this episode of the Brunton Bugle, we look back on the 1-0 loss in North Yorkshire before looking ahead to the AFC Wimbledon clash at home - plenty covered including:

😭 Harrogate Rev...

It's now four-games unbeaten for United as they pick up a hard-earned draw against table-toppers Walsall at Brunton Park - is the Great Escape Mk 258 on, or will the Harrogate-hoodoo put an end to the momentum built over the last few weeks?

In this episode of the Brunton Bugle, we look back on the draw against the Saddlers before looking ahead to this weekend's trip to North Yorkshire - plenty covered including:

🤝 Walsall Review

🚫 No away fan chat

🧙 Preview of the Harrogate clash

⚽ Ex-Blues Update

Host: Lee...

Barrow feel the Breeze as United get a a 1-0 win over their Cumbrian rivals thanks to Gabe's clean sheet and a first goal for the club for Matt Dennis - can they now end the 90-game wait and get a second win in a row against Walsall in midweek?

In this episode of the Brunton Bugle, we look back on the win at Holker Street and look ahead to a huge clash with the table-topping Saddlers - plenty covered including:

😀 Barrow Review

🔍 Away fan chat with Walsall Fan TV

🔴 Pr...

Two games unbeaten for the Blues, but it's another bore-draw as Mark Hughes still searches for his first win in-charge of the club. Is it another step in the right direction, or are three points more important than marginal gains right now?.

In this episode of the Brunton Bugle, Lee is joined by guest host Nick to review the draw with Gillingham, before looking ahead to the Thursday night trip down the Cumbria coast to face Barrow - lots discussed including:

📰 News round-up

🤝 Gillingham match review

🔍 Away fan view with Adam...

Dan returns to the pod, United end their losing streak - surely no coincidence? Well hopefully it'll help this week too, as Dan is back again and United are aiming to get their first win in five games as Gillingham travel up to Brunton Park, following the stalemate against Colchester last weekend.

In this episode of the Brunton Bugle, we look back on the draw against the U's and look ahead to the visit of the Gills - plenty covered including:

📰 News round-up

🤝 Colchester Review

🔍 Away Fan Chat with Matt from...

The prodigal son returns! Yes, for the first time in quite a while, Dan is back on the pod... but unfortunately, there's not much positive to talk about as United slump to two consecutive defeats on the road to start the Mark Hughes reign. Can Sparky turn things around, or are the Blues doomed for the drop?

In this episode of the Brunton Bugle, we look back on the losses at Grimsby and Newport and look ahead to another big game at home against Colchester - plenty covered including:

📰 News round-up

🐟 Grimsb...

Yes, you aren't mistaken - this is a very short episode of the Brunton Bugle! Unfortunately, Mike has been struck down by a bug after the Grimsby game and has lost his voice.

With no time to arrange a replacement, rather than letting an already arranged Behind Enemy Lines recording go to waste, we're bringing you a very truncated "mini-preview" episode.

Lee spoke to Ed from the excellent 1912 Exiles Podcast ahead of the trip to South Wales to face Newport - plenty of interesting stuff in there about how County are getting on...

The appointment has been made and Mark Hughes is the man given the task of keeping the Blues in League Two. Can the Welsh football legend keep United up, or is the task just too big?

In this episode of the Brunton Bugle, Lee is joined by guest host Nick to discuss Sparky's appointment, before looking ahead to the weekend trip to Grimsby - lots discussed including:

🧑‍💼 Mark Hughes appointed

🔍 Away fan view with View From the Findus Podcast

🐟 Look ahead to Grimsby Town game

⚽ Ex-Blues Update

Host: L...

EMERGENCY POD! Yes, the news we've all been expecting was confirmed on Monday morning, as Mike Williamson was relieved of his duties as Blues boss following the shambolic 5-1 home loss to Swindon Town.

In this episode of the Brunton Bugle, Lee is joined by guest host Nick to look back on Williamson's time as Blues boss, chat about what went wrong and look ahead to who might be in the frame to replace him - lots discussed including:

💀 Swindon match review

⏰ Time's up for Williamson

🤔 Where did it all go w...

United's 84-game wait for consecutive league wins continues, but plenty of encouraging signs in the defeat at promotion-chasing Notts County - but are bits of improvement enough or are we running out of time and need results?

In this episode of the Brunton Bugle, we look back on the loss at the Magpies and look ahead to a huge weekend clash with Swindon Town - plenty covered including:

📰 News round-up

🐦‍⬛ Notts County Review

🔍 Away fan chat with Loathed Strangers Podcast

5️⃣ Dan's U5 question returns!

🐦 Thoughts on the Swindon Town...

United get their first win of 2025 and it's a big three points against Pete Child's Fleetwood Town side - can Sam Lavelle's late winner be the catalyst for another Great Escape by the Blues?

In this episode of the Brunton Bugle, we look back on the win over the Cod Army and look ahead to midweek trip south to face Notts County - plenty covered including:

🤝 Latest Transfer Window round-up

🐟 Fleetwood Review

🚫 No away fan chat

🐦‍⬛ Thoughts on the Notts County clash

⚽ Ex-Blues Update

Host: Lee Ro...

New players, same old story... another encouraging start is quickly nipped in the bud as United slumped to yet another defeat, this time handing Bradford their first win in Cumbria in almost 40 years.

In this episode of the Brunton Bugle, Lee is joined by guest host Nick to review the loss to the Bantams, before looking ahead to the weekend trip to Fleetwood - lots discussed including:

🤝 Latest transfer window update

🐔 Bradford match review

🔍 Away fan view with Knappers from CodsVlogs

🐟 Look ahead to Fleetwood game

⚽ Ex-Blues...

A weekend off is a weekend unbeaten, right? United return to action on Saturday and face Bradford City, with plenty of new faces expected to feature in the line-up for the Blues.

In this episode of the Brunton Bugle, we look ahead to the weekend clash - plenty covered including:

🤝 Latest Transfer Window round-up

💙 An Ode to Jon Mellish

🚫 No away fan chat

🐔 Thoughts on the Bradford City clash

⚽ Ex-Blues Update

Host: Lee Rooney (@leerooney)

Co-Host: Mike Booth (@cufcmike)

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