On Tuesday evening, Mark Hughes takes his Carlisle United side to the York Community Stadium to take on fellow promotion chasers York City.
Stuart Maynard’s side will want to lay down a marker at home against the Cumbrians in a match between the two favourites for the National League title before the season began.
How Have Both Teams Been Performing?
York City are on 15 points from their first 8 games and are sat in 8th place in the National League. Last time out York lost 1-0 at home to struggling Solihull Moors.
Carlisle United are on 23 points from their first 10 games and are sat in 2nd place in the National League. Mark Hughes’ side have won their last four games. Last time out the Cumbrians won 2-1 away to Altrincham.
Players To Watch
Alex Hunt in midfield will be a constant threat throughout, he has the ability to win balls back, find the key pass, has an eye for goal and has scored three absolute screamers in the last couple of weeks. The Carlisle defence will be trying to stop any shots from range from this man. Hunt has three goals in six games so far this season.
Ollie Pearce by his standards has had a slow start to the season with only the three goals in seven games for York so far but his contribution to the team whether it’s hold up or link up play is second to none in this league. Carlisle’s defence will have to keep close tabs on Pearce that’s for sure.
Alex Newby in attack will be a real attacking spark for Stuart Maynard’s side. Newby has been one of the best players in the National League for the last couple of years playing for Altrincham and now his goal contributions are starting to appear for York after a slow start. Newby has two goals to his name so far this season.
Josh Stones probably won’t start the game because Ollie Pearce is the first choice striker but as an option off the bench there aren’t many better at this level. He knows where the back of the net is and he makes intelligent runs that will stretch defenders late in games. Stones has one goal to his name so far this season and that was off the bench at Truro.
Other players to watch are the full backs Malachi Fagan-Walcott and Joe Felix. Both players will cause an attacking threat down their respective sides when going forward.
Why I Am Changing Up The Players To Watch
In match previews I’m aware I’ve picked nearly every Carlisle United player as a player to watch already so from now on I’m going to pick four opposition players instead of two so you aren’t seeing me pick Regan Linney to watch every week and me repeating myself.
I think Hughes will maybe pack the midfield in a game that the home side will see a lot of the ball. I think we may go for narrow approach in midfield and aim to use Linney’s pace to create chances in transition.
The pace of Luamba or Ajiboye could be used later in the game from the bench if the York defence are tiring and the blues need a goal.
My Score Prediction
York City 2-2 Carlisle United
This is a real tester for the blues, York have an array of attacking talent and were many people’s picks to win the league this year and I think this will be Carlisle’s toughest test so far this season.
The midfield could be overran as well depending on who’s selected in there by Mark Hughes but after the way we dug out the win against Altrincham it showed many people that we are capable of doing the dirty work and grinding results out this season.
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Carlisle United made it 4 league wins in a row after they took home three points against Altrincham thanks to goals from Georgie Kelly and Regan Linney in a match which saw both sides finish with 10 men.
Mark Hughes’ side came into this game full of confidence after an excellent performance last week at home to Aldershot and were looking to keep their push towards the top of the National League going, they had the only half chance of the opening few minutes as Archie Davies fired harmlessly over from long range.
United made just the one change to the lineup with Georgie Kelly coming in for the unwell Luke Armstrong and Kelly proved his worth in the 9th minute, attacking an excellent ball im from the left by Stephen Wearne and forcing Alty defender Lewis Banks to inadvertently turn the ball into his own goal to give the Cumbrians an early 1-0 lead.
Kelly thought he’d got a goal for himself just moments later as a Wearne free kick from the left found its way to the unmarked number 9 at the back post but Kelly’s celebrations were quickly cut short as the linesman had his flag quickly up.
Phil Parkinson’s side, who had only lost once at home in the league before today, weren’t going to let Carlisle have all the fun however and fired a warning shot in the 16th minute as Kahrel Reddin found Oliver Crankshaw just inside the penalty area but his effort was well saved down low by Breeze.
Altrincham continued their efforts for an equaliser and were given a golden chance moments later as referee Richie Watkins pointed to the spot after Kelly led with his arm when jumping into his man in an attempt to head away a corner. Jimmy Knowles stepped up to take the spot kick and the ex Accrington man made no mistake, firing confidently into the bottom left corner to level the scoring.
Carlisle did seem a little rattled in this phase of the game, picking up five yellow cards in about as many minutes, including one for manager Mark Hughes, and struggling to really keep any control of the ball, captain Terrell Thomas was the latest in this sequence and was arguably lucky not to get a worse punishment, being caught on the ball by Knowles before quickly bringing him down.
Alty were quick to every 50/50 ball, really making United work hard for their possession and always looking threatening going forward too with Crankshaw roaming the pitch and finding space and Reddin keeping the cautioned Cameron Harper on his toes.
Despite the positive showings by the home side however, they could do nothing to stop their former man Regan Linney in the 35th minute, jinking past a couple of defenders before smashing the ball into the top left corner from just outside the D to bag his 9th goal in 10 appearances this season.
The home side really should have had an equalier just before half time however, as Breeze rushed out to intercept an excellent through ball from Sam Reed and his sliding challege only knocked the ball as far as Knowles, who somehow managed to fire wide to the left of the gaping empty net.
HALF TIME: Altrincham 1 – 2 United
The Robins wasted no time in chasing another equaliser in the second half and would have had one were it not for some defensive heroics, as Archie Davies threw himself in front of a volley from Tom Crawford after an excellent ball from the right hand side by Crankshaw. They were inches away from their second goal again not long afterwards as a chipped cross from Banks looped over Breeze’s head and struck the foot of his right hand post before bouncing out and eventually being cleared by Carlisle
United’s job of holding onto the lead became even harder in the 54th minute as Harper once again brought down the ever threatening Reddin and received a second yellow card and his marching orders, leading to Jack Ellis filling in at left back and Carlisle being left a man short in midfield.
This seemed to light a fire under the visitors however and they almost doubled their advantage minutes later as Kelly stole the ball off of his man before attempting to square to Linney, but a superb last ditch interception by Isaac Marriott prevented Linney from doubling his tally for the day.
Altrincham continuted to try and make their man advantage count and came close a couple of times, with Ellis superbly shutting down a dangerous run by Reddin before Keaton Ward headed a tame effort into the arms of Breeze after a good ball in by Tylor Golden.
United sustained massive pressure in the last quarter of the game in a period which also saw Crawford receive a second yellow card for the home side and had Breeze to thank again, denying a Ward effort down low before Matty Kosylo somehow missed at the back post after an excellent ball in from the right hand side, and Carlisle held on to secure another massive three points on the road and take them second in the National League table.
Carlisle will take a mixture of joy and relief from this match, after what was a very hard fought 3 points on the road against a very solid Altrincham side. We rode our luck at points especially towards the end of the game and were well under the cosh with 10 men, but the grit and determination to see out the game is very commendable.
I think we could have done with taking Harper off at half time, which is easy to say but Reddin was always threatening down their right flank and was giving him a lot of trouble all through the game, so it was something which really you could always see coming. The defence stuck to their task however and more Linney magic gave us a massive win to take home ahead of a huge game against York on Tuesday night.
Carlisle Player Ratings
Breeze – 8 (MoTM): Another impressive outing from our young stopper, commanding his area very well and making some vital stops to stop Altrincham nicking a point towards the end of the game
Davies – 7: A massive block towards the start of the second half played a big part in sealing our win, and he was threatening down the right hand side on occasion too.
Mugabi – 7: Couple of vital interceptions to stop Altrincham getting in and was excellent in the physical battles with the opposition forward line too.
Thomas – 6: Lucky in the first half when he got caught in possession, but otherwise largely solid at the back and has seemed to develop a good understanding with Mugabi.
Harper – 4: Constantly troubled by Reddin’s energetic running and dribbling and showed real indiscipline making the challenge that saw him sent off, leaves a hole to fill for Tuesday night now.
Ellis – 7: Often quiet going forward but his running and energy was vital in the defensive areas, shutting down a couple of threatening Alty attacks.
Gilliead – 6: Not as influential as he was against Aldershot, but worked hard in the midfield and has become very important for United in the middle of the park.
Wearne – 8: Carlisle’s biggest creative threat, being the catalyst for their two goals and showing great energy and desire to find space in between the lines.
Linney – 7: Often quiet in the game but had that little bit of magic when it counted, such a massive part of this United side and questions will be asked as to how we’ll cope without him when he needs a rest.
Luamba – 5: This right wing area is probably United’s biggest weak spot at the moment with both Luamba and Ajiboye really struggling to hold the place down, Luamba is positive and direct but struggles to keep a hold of the ball when he needs to.
Kelly – 7: Led the line well as he often does, maybe lucky to not get a harsher punishment when he conceded the penalty but was a constant handful for the Altrincham defence and is unlucky not to be credited with United’s opener.
Subs:
Macadam – 6: Hard to judge in the circumstances, did what he needed to.
Jones, Ajiboye, Feeney – N/A
Please note these are Craig’s opinions and nothing official!
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On Saturday, Mark Hughes takes his Carlisle United side to Moss Lane to take on Phil Parkinson’s Altrincham.
Altrincham will be looking to bounce back from their 3-1 defeat to Boreham Wood last time out meanwhile Carlisle will be looking to build on their three wins in a two and their 2-0 win over Aldershot last time out.
How Have Both Teams Been Performing?
Altrincham’s last five games have been a lot like their start to the season, it’s been a mixed bag from them but in their last five games they’ve won three and lost two of those.
Phil Parkinson’s side is currently in 11th place in the table with 12 points from their first 9 games.
The Cumbrians’ last five games have consisted of four wins and four cleans sheets but their only defeat came in this run which was a 2-1 defeat to struggling Sutton United.
Mark Hughes’ side are current in 3rd place in the National League with 20 points from their first 9 games.
Players To Watch
The first Altrincham player to watch is forward Jimmy Knowles, the 24-year-old has scored goals for Boston and Accrington before his move to Altrincham. Knowles has 4 goals and 2 assists so far this season.
Knowles’ eye for goal and ability to know where to be in the box is second to none and that shows in his statistics so far this season. Carlisle defence will have to be on top of their game to keep him quiet.
The second Altrincham player to watch is Kahrel Reddin, the tricky winger came through the Aston Villa academy before moving to Stoke and has now found a home at Altrincham. His pace and trickery could give the Carlisle United defence some serious problems.
Reddin has 2 goals and 1 assist so far this season and at 21-years-old he is still learning the game and his final ball will improve.
The first Carlisle player to watch is going to be Regan Linney, the former Altrincham man retiring to his old ground with 8 goals to his name already this season.
His direct running, trickery to beat a full back and ability to find the back of the net is second to none in the National League and he will be looking to get one over on his old team here.
The second Carlisle player to watch is going to be Luke Armstrong. His running and work rate off the ball, his ability to stretch defences with intelligent runs and his ability to find the back of the net means between him and Linney the Altrincham defenders will be worried in this one.
Armstrong has 4 goals and 2 assists to his name so far this season and with the team creating the amount chances they are you can’t help but think he’ll be getting a lot more this season.
A pretty simple prediction this week, unless there are any injuries I don’t see why Hughes would want to change anything, don’t change a winning team with momentum.
I do think the right wing is a position up for grabs between Luamba and Ajiboye but bother have been very inconsistent so far this season, if there was to be a change I would say it would be there.
My Score Prediction
Altrincham 1-2 Carlisle United
Altrincham are a mixed bag and have only lost once at home so far this season so it will be a tough place to go against a team that will test the defence but I think Carlisle are building some momentum off the back of three straight wins and three straight clean sheets so they will just edge it in a hard fought game.
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Yesterday, Carlisle United announced the appointment of former club captain Danny Grainger as Lead Youth Development Phase Coach.
Danny joins as Lead Youth Development Coach following his departure from Morecambe in August following the change of ownership at the club.
A Look At Grainger’s Career
Danny’s history with the Cumbrians is well documented. The Penrith-born Danny joined the blues in 2014 after spells with Dunfermline, St Mirren, Hearts and St Johnstone, he went on to captain the side, making 165 appearances and scoring 27 goals during a successful spell with the club which saw him become a fan favourite.
Following his retirement from playing, Danny moved into management and coaching. Grainger took charge at Workington in 2019 before holding senior roles as Assistant Head Coach at Falkirk in 2021 and Assistant Manager at Morecambe until August 2025.
What Has Been Said?
The club announced that in his new position as Lead YDP Coach, Danny will oversee the coaching and development of the Youth Development Phase, ensuring young players benefit from the best possible environment, technical guidance, and a clear pathway towards first team football.
Danny Grainger said: “I’m over the moon to be joining the club as Lead YDP Coach. I am looking forward to passing on my knowledge of the game through the Academy and helping the young players on their personal journey as they progress through the Academy.
“There’s something powerful about being part of something you genuinely care about. I’m motivated to give my best every day because this club means a lot to me.”
Academy Manager, Steven Rudd said: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Danny to the club as our new Lead Youth Development Phase Coach.
“As someone who’s played the game at a high level, he brings not only valuable experience but also a deep understanding of what it takes to progress through the Academy system and what it takes to play for Carlisle United.
“Having worked with Danny before, I know he will set high standards across the Youth Development Phase and look to help the next generation of players coming through. We’re confident he’ll be a fantastic addition to the environment we’re building here.”
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Dan and Craig would like to warmly welcome Danny Grainger back to Brunton Park and we hope his time with the club is a successful one.
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On Saturday, Mark Hughes’ Carlisle United welcome Tommy Widdrington’s Aldershot Town to Brunton Park.
The Cumbrians will be looking to build on their recent back to back wins over Brackley Town and Truro City and The Shots will be looking to turn their recent run of draws in to wins.
How Have Both Teams Started The Season?
Carlisle United are in third place in the National League after a solid start to their season. The blues have seventeen points from their first eight games having won five, drawn two and lost one of their opening eight games.
Aldershot are in twelfth place in the National League and are the top scorers in the league but they are also prone to conceding a lot of goals. The Shots lost their first three games of the season 3-2 then won 5-1 and and 4-0 and have drawn their last three games 3-3, 2-2 and 2-2.
Players To Watch
The first player to watch for Carlisle United is Archie Davies, the right-back is a constant attacking threat down the right for The Cumbrians he makes brave runs with the ball and isn’t afraid to take his man on. He has a great cross and final ball and also takes a brilliant set piece as well.
The second player to watch for Mark Hughes’ side is Luke Armstrong, the striker scored twice last time out against Truro and has four goals and two assists to his name so far this season. It’s not only his goals that are impressive it’s also his relentless work rate and runs off the ball that cause opposition defenders real problems.
The first player to watch for Aldershot is their top goalscorer Ryan Hill. The 27-year-old midfielder has four goals and two assists so far this season and is a constant threat up top for them. The Shots are the top scoring team in the league and Hill is one of the main reasons for that.
The second player to watch for The Shots is Josh Barrett. The attacking midfielder has two goals and three assists so far this season and much like Hill is one of the integral reasons for that. Barrett and Hill will look to link up play with the frontmen and cause the blues defence serious problems.
I think Mark Hughes won’t want to change much from a winning team but I do think Luamba offers more than Ajiboye so that may be the only change for the blues.
My Score Prediction
Carlisle United 3-2 Aldershot
With Aldershot’s record of scoring goals this season but also conceding I’m expecting an entertaining game with lots of chances and goals.
I’ve done my reverse psychology technique in my predictions over the last few weeks and it’s worked but I have received some comments online for it so instead this week I’m going with a different approach and I’m going for a Carlisle United win however if we don’t win blame it on the people who have been upset with my predictions and have taken them too seriously.
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On Saturday, Mark Hughes’ Carlisle United side comfortably beat John Askey’s Truro City at Brunton Park 3-0.
Two quick fire first half goals from Luke Armstrong gave the Cumbrians the ascendancy and then a brilliant solo goal from Regan Linney sealed the three points in the second half.
Match Review
Truro started the game well and were passing the ball around well but with little attacking threat.
In the 10th minute a brilliant team move lead to the opening goal, Archie Davies found Cameron Harper, Cameron Harper then found Wearne on the left of the area and he crossed for Luke Armstrong to tap home to give Carlisle a 1-0 lead.
Shortly after in the 12th minute, Regan Linney turned inside on the his foot and had a shot that looped up after a defensive block and Luke Armstrong was in the right place once again to finish smartly to give the blues a comfortable 2-0 lead.
Both of Carlisle United wingers were getting lots of joy against their full backs and were putting dangerous balls in to the box but just couldn’t find that end product to put the game to bed.
HT Carlisle United 2-0 Truro City
The second half started off quite flat with Truro enjoying some spells of possession and their best chance of the game came from a series of well worked corners as Will Dean shot just wide from the edge of the area.
On the hour mark a piece of individual brilliant sealed the game for Mark Hughes’ side as Regan Linney beat two players, nutmegged the defender in the box and finished brilliantly in to the roof of the net from a tight angle. A moment that had everyone on their feet
From then it was just a matter of how many for Carlisle United but they failed to add to their goals tally despite a great for Harvey Macadam on the break and shots from Callum Whelan and Luke Armstrong that went just wide.
Truro nearly got on the scoresheet as Gabe Breeze held on the ball too long when and was closed down by Tyler Harvey but luckily for Breeze and Carlisle the ball was deflected over the bar.
FTCarlisle United 3-0 Truro City
Massive credit to the 78 Truro supporters who made the long trip, they are a credit to themselves and their team and have nothing but everyone’s respect, good luck to them for the rest of the season.
How Did Carlisle Perform?
First half after a slow start, Carlisle played some exciting football at times. David Ajiboye was a threat down the right, Regan Linney as always was a threat down the left and Luke Armstrong’s movement was causing their defence serious problems.
There were still some some lapses in concentration at times but it’s a lot more forgivable when you’re two goals to the good.
Second half was similar to the first with a slow start to the half but after the third goal Carlisle really found their confidence again and were playing some nice football and creating openings and chances in behind both full backs.
Overall I would say Carlisle weren’t at their best but they didn’t have to be. Mark Hughes’ side will know there are a lot tougher tests to come in the next few months. As for Truro they were far from their best but they will probably be content it was only 3-0 in the end and they will have games against their fellow strugglers to come that will be imperative to their survival hopes.
My Carlisle United Player Ratings
Gabe Breeze -6- came for set pieces well, didn’t have a lot to do except one save in the first half. Nearly got caught out in the second half that could’ve cost us a goal.
Archie Davies -7- made some great runs forward and created space for the wingers at times. Defensively didn’t do anything wrong, another solid afternoon for Davies.
Bevis Mugabi -6- comfortable afternoon in general for the defence but a couple of times Mugabi missed his headers and nearly gave the ball away with the ball at his feet.
Terell Thomas -7- a lapse in the first half from Thomas but apart from that he won pretty much every header, knew when to pass and when to go along and had a very good game.
Cameron Harper -7- was targeted early on by Truro but stood his ground. He defended well and had a huge part to play in the opening goal with his pass to Wearne.
Jack Ellis -7.5- comfortable in midfield, he was calm and composed, he broke the play up well and found the pass when under pressure, really impressive.
Alex Gilliead -7- done a job in the midfield, won possession back at times, made runs in to dangerous areas and kept the ball well.
Stephen Wearne -7- covered a lot of ground in the midfield, made some runs off the midfielders and got the assist for Luke Armstrong’s opening goal.
David Ajiboye -6- got in some dangerous positions in the first half but lacked an end product but overall much improved from what we’ve seen from him so far this season.
Regan Linney -8.5- a constant threat, always gets his head up when he’s on the ball and runs the defenders. He had a huge part to play in the second goal and got his brilliant goal in the second half, my man of the match.
Luke Armstrong -8.5- a very close second to Regan Linney for man of the match, took both his goals like a striker should, he never stopped running and created space for others with some intelligent running.
SUBSTITUTES
Callum Whelan -7- kept the ball well when he came on and was unlucky to not get on the scoresheet himself.
Junior Luamba -7- made some direct runs when he came on and had the beaten of his man. He almost got an assist when he came on as well.
Harvey Macadam -6- done a job when he came on and should’ve scored when clean through on goal but shot wide.
Georgie Kelly -6- held the ball up brilliantly and gave their defence a lot to think about when he came on.
Josh Grant -6- made some good tackles when he came on and kept the ball well, signs of real improvement from Grant after his debut against Solihull.
A Message From Paddock Perception
We are working alongside Liam and his YouTube channel Blue Army TV this season to make sure we bring you the best Carlisle United content we possibly can. You can subscribe to his channel and follow him on X, his handles are below:
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X- @CU04_YOUTUBE
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Thank you everyone for reading Paddock Perception, your support means everything! Please don’t forget you can follow Dan and Craig on X for more football content:
Last night, Carlisle United announced the signing of 29-year-old midfielder Alex Gilliead on loan from Shrewsbury Town.
This is his second spell with the Cumbrians ten years after the first. The midfielder has had spells with Bradford, Scunthorpe, and most recently Shrewsbury since his first spell at Brunton Park.
Today I’m going to look at where Gilliead fits in under Mark Hughes and whether or not there are still positions that need strengthening.
Where Does Gilliead Fit In?
Gilliead is a midfield that will work tirelessly, he will do his defensive duties but mainly he will progress with the ball, carry the ball forward and be good in transition when Carlisle attack.
He can play some key passes in the final third and keep the ball ticking over in the middle of the pitch. The midfielder also has an eye for goal and won’t be shy to shoot if the chance presents itself.
Gilliead is versatile and can play in the centre or can play on either wing and with the games coming thick and fast in the National League versatile players are worth their weight in gold.
I think we will see Alex Gilliead battle with Callum Whelan and Ethan Robson for that “number eight” spot, he can play further forward as well and battle Stephen Wearne and Elliot Embleton for the “number ten” spot as well.
Do Carlisle United Need More Additions?
Personally I would like to see an experienced holding muffler brought it because Harvey Macadam isn’t a player that can just sit and dictate games, Jack Ellis is still learning to play there and will be exposed against good teams and Josh Grant hasn’t impressed so far since he joined in the summer.
I still think maybe another central defender for cover until Morgan Feeney is fully fit wouldn’t be a bad idea, Paul Huntington is a free agent and would do a job short term in my opinion.
Do you think Mark Hughes still needs more players through the door? Please let us know in the comments.
A Message From Paddock Perception
We are working alongside Liam and his YouTube channel Blue Army TV this season to make sure we bring you the best Carlisle United content we possibly can. You can subscribe to his channel and follow him on X, his handles are below:
X – @blue_army_
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Another partnership Paddock Perception has is with Carlisle United YouTube channel CU04, they have amazing content on their channel and we are looking forward to working with them this season. You can follow them here:
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Thank you everyone for reading Paddock Perception, your support means everything! Please don’t forget you can follow Dan and Craig on X for more football content:
Late on Monday night, Carlisle United announced the signing of Shrewsbury Town midfielder Alex Gilliead. Gilliead joins the blues for the second time on a loan that runs until 11th January.
A Look at Gilliead’s Career
The 29-year-old began his career at Newcastle United, he progressed through the academy ranks but did not make a senior appearance for the Magpies.
He gained valuable first team experience during a series of loan spells in the EFL, starting with the Blues back in 2015/16. Further loan moves followed at Luton Town and Bradford City, the latter of which he rejoined for a second spell during the 2017/18 season.
Following his departure from Newcastle, Gilliead joined Shrewsbury Town in 2018, before moving to Scunthorpe United in the summer of 2019. He became a regular for the Iron, making over 75 appearances in two seasons.
In 2021, he returned to Bradford City for a third spell — this time on a permanent basis. Over the next three seasons, Gilliead became a key figure for the Bantams, making over 100 appearances and earning praise for his consistency, leadership, and versatility across midfield positions. In July 2023, he signed a two-year contract extension, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2024/25 season.
However, in August 2024, he moved back to Shrewsbury Town, where he had previously played in the 2018/19 campaign.
What Has Been Said?
Head Coach, Mark Hughes said: “Alex is someone who can slot into several roles when the team needs him most.
“He has great stamina and work rate, he never stops running, pressing, and driving his team forward. His versatility means he can play in multiple positions, always giving 100% wherever he’s asked to step in.
“But it’s not just about what he does with the ball — his character shines through in every match. Professional, humble, and respected by teammates, he sets the standard in training and matches alike.
“Whether it’s covering every blade of grass, stepping up in big moments, or lifting the squad with his attitude – Gilly is a player I am delighted to be able to work with again.”
Head of Football Operations, Marc Tierney added: “We are delighted to finally secure one of our top targets in Alex Gilliead.
“He was identified early in the window, and we’ve been monitoring his situation closely.
“Alex is a player with real pedigree and importantly, he knows the club and supporters from his previous spell here.
“He’s worked under Mark before, but just as crucially, he fits the ethos of Carlisle United — his fitness levels, work ethic, and desire to help push the club forward stood out to us. He knows what it means to play here and is genuinely keen to return. We are confident he will make a big impact both on and off the pitch.”
My Opinion On The Move
The midfielder brings lots of experience to Brunton Park and the manager has mentioned his work rate and ability to push the team forward which could be vital in tight games.
Gilliead impressed in his previous spell at Brunton Park and if he’s anywhere near as good as we was back in the 15/16 season this will be seen as a great piece of business for the Cumbrians.
Myself and Craig would like to wish Alex well and we hope his stay at Brunton Park is a successful one, welcome Alex!
A Message From Paddock Perception
We are working alongside Liam and his YouTube channel Blue Army TV this season to make sure we bring you the best Carlisle United content we possibly can. You can subscribe to his channel and follow him on X, his handles are below:
X – @blue_army_
YouTube – @BlueArmyTVchannel
Another partnership Paddock Perception has is with Carlisle United YouTube channel CU04, they have amazing content on their channel and we are looking forward to working with them this season. You can follow them here:
X- @CU04_YOUTUBE
YouTube – @CU04
Thank you everyone for reading Paddock Perception, your support means everything! Please don’t forget you can follow Dan and Craig on X for more football content:
On Wednesday night, Mark Hughes takes his Carlisle United side to St James Park to take on Brackley Town.
Brackley will be looking to build on their hard fought draw with Scunthorpe at the weekend and Carlisle will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing performance and defeat to Sutton United on Saturday.
How Have Both Teams Started The Season?
Brackley Town are currently sat in 10th place with eight points from their first five games which is a very good start for a newly promoted side.
Brackley began the season with a 1-0 win over Eastleigh before a tight 2-1 defeat to Yeovil in their second game, they then returned to winning ways with a 2-1 over high flying Rochdale before back-to-back 1-1 draws with Tamworth and Scunthorpe.
Carlisle United are currently sat in 5th place with eleven points from their first six games, it’s maybe not the flying start some people expected but it could’ve been a lot worse.
The Cumbrians began the season with a 2-0 win at Woking before two disappointing draws at home with Boreham Wood in a 3-3 thriller and 1-1 with Solihull Moors, they then returned to winning ways with a 1-0 win at Wealdstone and a 5-0 win at home against Braintree but last time out they suffered their first defeat of the season as they lost 2-1 to Sutton United.
Players To Watch
The first Brackley Town player I’ve picked to watch out for is Ryan Haynes. Haynes is a full-back by trade but can play further forward on the left if needed.
The 29-year-old puts balls in to the box and gets up and down the pitch very well. The former Northampton, Coventry and Newport man can score goals and get assists, he will be a constant threat for Archie Davies to be mindful of.
The second player I’ve chosen to watch out for is Morgan Roberts, Roberts will play in behind the strikers in an attacking midfielder role.
The 24-year-old will look to pick up pockets of space and open up the Carlisle United defence with his range of passing. Roberts also has an eye for goal and will look to fire from range if give the opportunity as well.
Carlisle United players to watch will depend on which Carlisle United turns up. The first player I’ve chosen to watch out for is Archie Davies. The 26-year-old is a constant threat going forward especially if he has a winger in front of him because he will link up well. The battle of Haynes v Davies could decide the game in my opinion.
Davies has already shown so far this season he can defend and be hard to beat for any opposing winger but he’s also shown his attacking threat and has been providing for the strikers.
The second player I’ve chosen is Regan Linney, I know I pick him nearly every match but he really is the Cumbrians’ talisman and Sutton showed on Saturday that if you can keep Linney quiet Carlisle don’t have a lot going forward without him.
The 28-year-old will be a constant threat down the left for Mark Hughes’ side, Linney has five goals in six games so far this season and if he gets a chance he’s in good form so you would expect him to take it. His direct running is nightmare for any defender and his work rate is second to none and will track back and help his team when need as well.
My Predicted Carlisle United Eleven
I expect the manager to make some changes after Saturday’s performance.
Breeze will start every game if he’s fit, comfortably the best keeper at the club.
Defence
Hughes clearly likes his back four so I don’t expect him to change it despite calls for changes at centre back in particular.
Midfield
Its obvious Mark Hughes side needs more in midfield but on paper the three I’ve chosen I think is probably Carlisle’s strongest midfield but I wouldn’t be surprised so maybe see Josh Grant maybe come for some power in midfield.
Attack
With Luamba’s fitness in question after being dropped from the squad against Sutton it was obvious Carlisle missed the width on the right so I think he’ll bring in Ajiboye despite him not impressing so far he will give width down the right and maximise Davies attacking threat as well.
Kelly made a real difference when he came on against Sutton and got the late consolation goal so I expect him to start this game if he’s fit enough to do so with Luke Armstrong maybe getting a rest for this one.
My Score Prediction
Brackley Town 2-1 Carlisle United
This will be another tough away day for Carlisle United, Brackley are undefeated in three home games so far this season (four if you include the cup) and they will be no pushovers.
Carlisle will have to be so much better than they were on Saturday to get anything out of this game.
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On Saturday Mark Hughes undefeated Carlisle United make another long trip to the capital, this time to take on Steve Morison’s Sutton United.
The two sides have had contrasting starts to the season with Carlisle taking eleven points from a possible fifteen but Sutton having only take two points from the same amount of games.
How Have Both Teams Started The Season?
Sutton began their their season with an excellent draw away to York City, they then followed that up with a goalless draw at home to Solihull Moors and since then they’ve lost three games in a row to Forest Green, Scunthorpe and most recently Rochdale.
Sutton are currently in 22nd place with just the two points from their first five games.
Carlisle United started the season with a comfortable 2-0 away win against Woking, they then flowed that up with two disappointing performances and draws at home to Boreham Wood and Solihull Moors. the Cumbrians have now won back-to-back games over the bank holiday weekend against Wealdstone and most recently beat Braintree 5-0 at Brunton Park.
Carlisle United are currently in 3rd place with eleven points from their first five games.
Players To Watch
Sutton have to former Carlisle United players in their squad, one is midfielder Jayden Harris but the first player to watch for them is striker Ashley Nadesan. The former Gillingham, Fleetwood and Crawley striker also had a successful spell at Brunton Park back in 2017 through until 2019. His forward play is one of work rate, great link up play and will take his chances when they come his way.
The second player to watch is forward is Brandon Njoku, the former Cambridge man is Sutton’s top scorer so far this season with two goals. He will either start alongside Nadesan or will look to impact the game from the bench. He will be player that the Carlisle defence will have to keep a close eye on.
Carlisle United players to watch have been different every week but it makes sense to pick the hat-trick hero from the Braintree game. Regan Linney has scored five goals in five games for the Cumbrians so far this season and will be a constant attacking threat down the left mainly but could switch to the right at times. His direct running and taking on the full backs will be one of Carlisle’s main attacking weapons.
The second player to watch is Luke Armstrong, he and Linney have built a great relationship up front for Mark Hughes’ side and Armstrong has two goals and one assist in his five games so far this season. His endless work rate, his runs off the ball to create space for others is a huge part of Carlisle’s attack. If he gets the right service he will be a massive threat in front of goal and has that finishing touch when needed.
Why change a winning team? I think possibly the only change that may be made is in midfield because away from home Hughes will want to be more compact so I think he may drop Wearne or Whelan and bring Macadam back in but other than that why change a team that has won their most recent game 5-0 and are undefeated so far this season?!
Score Prediction
Sutton United 1-2 Carlisle United
I think Sutton will pose a threat going forward but if Carlisle can defend like they have done in recent games they should be able to keep them at arms length and the attacking threat of Linney, Armstrong and Luamba will cause a lot of problems for the Sutton defence especially on the break and that could be key in the Cumbrians coming away with the three points in this one.
A Message From Paddock Perception
We are working alongside Liam and his YouTube channel Blue Army TV this season to make sure we bring you the best Carlisle United content we possibly can. You can subscribe to his channel and follow him on X, his handles are below:
X – @blue_army_tv
YouTube – @BlueArmyTVchannel
Another partnership Paddock Perception has is with Carlisle United YouTube channel CU04, they have amazing content on their channel and we are looking forward to working with them this season. You can follow them here:
X – @CU04_YOUTUBE
YouTube – @CU04
Thank you everyone for reading Paddock Perception, your support means everything! Please don’t forget you can follow Dan and Craig on X for more football content:
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