Simpson parts company with United!

Over the weekend news broke that Paul Simpson has left United (Carlisle United that is) to joining the "Auld Enemy", Preston North End.  I have always stood on the terraces at Carlisle whenever I can.  I enjoy the battle that is a lower league game.  Preston have long been a rival, and always a great game when the sides have met.  I remember several trips to the away games at Preston and the rivalry between the two sets of supporters always made a great occasion.  Having suffered the "Knighton Years" at United and several ups and downs.  The club is moving in the right directions, due in no small part to Paul Simpson.  He rightly says, he came into the club when it was on it's knees.  But he has turned it round, following the bounce back to the football league from the conference at the first time of asking to a wonderful season last year which saw United finish champions of League 2.

While I never agreed with all his managerial decisions, he did well by the club.  But, having all preseason stated how he wanted to continue the momentum into the first division, I am disappointed in the nature of his exit from Brunton Park.  He is undoubtedly ambitious but to join Preston North End, is a bit of a shame.  Chances are there is more money on the table there and of course as a championship side that had a good season last year it is a fantastic opportunity, but for the Carlisle fans that supported him (with by far the best gates in the last two seasons) through good times and bad it is a huge disappointment.  Not solely for the abruptness of his departure, for him joining an "Auld Enemy" as well. 

It shows the fickle side of the game.  There is little loyalty left in it.  Managers come and go, players come and go.  Not very often do you get the core of a club that sticks together.  More money and a higher division will tempt anyone, but there must be no more satisfaction in the management of the game to taking a club on the way down and making them into a success.  

I would wish Simpson all the best in his new role, but I hope he gets it right and quick, because he might just be out on his ear by Christmas if the results don;t go his way.  Such is football these days!