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      I’ve loved Carlisle for 50 years… I was hooked when we replaced Man Utd in the old first division, says boss Simpson

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      PAUL SIMPSON’S love affair with Carlisle goes back to when the club replaced Manchester United in the top flight.The Cumbrians were promoted from the old second division in 1974 for the only time in their history while the Red Devils got relegated.
      Paul Simpson speaks to Justin Allen at Brunton Park about his love affair with Carlisle
      Simpson celebrated promotion with his Carlisle team at Wembley in May
      Carlisle spent one season rubbing shoulders with football royalty and an eight-year-old Simpson got inspired by his Brunton Park heroes.
      The Cumbrians boss, now 57, told SunSport: “My dad first took me during the promotion-winning season of 1973-74. We had players such as John Gorman, Bill Green, Ray Train, Joe Laidlaw and later the likes of George McVitie.
      “The team didn’t have any standout star players until Peter Beardsley joined in 1979 when he was starting out.
      “It was at that moment you thought, ‘Wow, if I can just be like him’ — but we did well with a group of players that had a real togetherness.”
      Although Simpson went on to have an illustrious playing career for Manchester City, Oxford, Derby, Wolves Blackpool and Rochdale, his heart has always been in Cumbria.
      So it was apt he finished his playing career with the club before managing them.
      And there was something poetic about Simpson returning to the club last year for a second spell in charge. During his first stint, he took the club from the National League to League One in back-to-back seasons before leaving to take charge of Preston.
      This time around he saved the club from dropping back into non-league before winning promotion to League One … again in consecutive seasons.
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      So does Simpson have unfinished business having left the club in the third tier last time around.
      He said: “I don’t feel that way. Football is constantly changing and evolving. Players, coaches and managers all make decisions they believe are right for themselves and I made one to leave in 2006 because it was right for me and my family to do that. 
      “I love Carlisle United and people questioned that, thinking I was telling lies when I left. Back then I was at the start of my coaching managerial career. I’ve no regrets about doing it.
      “It was the right thing to leave then and it was the right decision to return last year.
      “I’m no longer chasing to be the best manager in the world, which you do as a young coach. 
      “My life is happy. I love living back in Carlisle. I’ve got a really good family here. My first granddaughter was born last year so we’re enjoying it.”
      Simpson went on to boss Preston, Shrewsbury, Stockport, Northwich Victoria before working as an assistant at Derby and Newcastle under Steve McClaren.
      He also managed England Under-20, where he won the World Cup in South Korea in 2020 before a short spell as assistant at Bristol City then his homecoming to Cumbria.
      And Simpson questioned whether he should return to frontline club management after a decade out of it — having only had a short stint at Northwich in non-league after leaving Stockport.
      He said: “I regret taking the Stockport job. I was lied to about what setup there was and how it was all going to be and that six months was the worst decision I made. 
      Paul Simpson lifts the play-off trophy with keeper Tomas Holy
      “I went into a club different to what it is now. It was in turmoil and there was back stabbing going on between the directors and stuff like that.
      “I needed time away to go and try to educate myself and learn from other people so I went to Portugal and headed up an academy there. I came back and did some work for the Premier League and some media stuff. Then I got the chance to go to Derby with Steve McClaren, then to Newcastle and four years at the FA so I had a long time out of it.
      “You get to a point where you think, ‘I can still be a club manager but I don’t know if I want it to take over my life again’ so getting the opportunity to come here was good. 
      “What I’ve discovered is I’m calmer and clearer about what I want. I’m also better at delegating because I was one of those fellas who used to do everything.
      “I’ve realised you can’t do everything, you need to have good staff around you and that’s something that Steve McClaren taught me. We never spoke about it but what he did was get good people around him, he trusted them and that’s what I’ve learned to do as well.”
      Paul Simpson during his Carlisle playing days
      Paul Simpson has learned to delegate in his older years
      But with him every step of the way has been his wife and rock Jacqui, through his ups and downs in football and his fight against kidney cancer two years ago.
      He said: “We’ve been married 35 years and lived in 27 different places so it’s crazy but she’s supported me along with our three boys.
      “I remember when I was at Oxford and living there, I left home one Wednesday morning to have talks with Derby and never stepped foot in the house again. Jacqui sold it, moved us out and found our place in Derby. She’s brilliant. 
      “In a career like this, you’ve got to have someone alongside you who’s going to support you and Jac’s certainly done that job.”
      Simpson is philosophical about his cancer scare — and never felt “lucky” to beat that awful disease.
      He said: “Because I’m lucky to still be involved in football, I don’t wake up thinking ‘You’re really lucky now because you’ve survived cancer.’ 
      “From the minute I was told I had it, the surgeon was brilliant, and he was so positive that at no point did I think I was going to be a negative story.
      “I convinced myself this was going to be a good story because unfortunately you hear bad ones. Everybody wants to tell you about horrible stories and you rarely hear the good ones. 
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      “People would say ‘I’m really sorry’ and I was like ‘No, it’s fine. This is going to be a good story. This is fine, I’m going to be OK.’ 
      “I had that philosophy on it, so it hasn’t changed my view on life. I know I’m lucky to still be involved in football from starting in 1982 at Man City to still being here now in 2023. I crack on and get on with it.” More

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      I was born and bred north of the border and can’t wait to take on the Auld Enemy… for Australia

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      CAMERON BURGESS will lead a tartan invasion of Wembley with Australia.The Ipswich defender is one of SEVEN players who either was born or currently playing north of Hadrian’s Wall in their squad that will take on England.
      Australian star Cameron Burgess is one of seven Scots in the squad to face England
      And he says that adds extra spice to the friendly as Scots will be cheering on the Socceroos against the Auld Enemy.
      Burgess, 27, Hibernian’s Martin Boyle, 30, and Leicester’s Harry Souttar, 24, are all defenders who herald from Aberdeen.
      Celtic midfielder Jackson Irvine, 30, has Scottish heritage through his dad Steve, who was also born in Aberdeen.
      While Hibernian defender Lewis Miller, 23, Hearts defender Kye Rowles, 25, and St Mirren winger Ryan Strain, 26, are all plying their trade in the SPL too.
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      And Tractors Boys ace Burgess told SunSport: “There are so many of us who have strong Scottish links so lots of people north of the border are going to be rooting for us against England.
      “I’ve only been to Wembley once previously and that was to cheer on Scotland against England in the Euros in 2021 when it was a 0-0 draw. It was a lively evening with a great atmosphere.
      “I missed out on the chance of playing there when I was at Salford City. We made the Papa John’s Trophy final in 2020 but then Covid came along. The game was postponed and by the time it was eventually played I had left the club.
      “So, to play against England at Wembley, is going to be a special occasion — especially with my Scottish roots.”
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      Leicester City’s Harry Souttar is up against the Three Lions at Wembley
      Hibernian ace Martin Boyle is another of the Tartan brigade in the Aussie ranks
      Burgess lived in Scotland until he was 11 and always destined to become a footballer.
      For his dad Stuart was a pro footballer who played for Albion Rovers, East Fife, Falkirk, Kilmarnock and East Fife in a career that spanned the 1980s and early 1990s.
      And his grandfather Campbell played as a keeper for St Mirren, Kilmarnock and Southampton in the Sixties — and won the Scottish league title with Kilmarnock in 1965 as well as earning four Scotland caps.
      Burgess — who played youth football for Celtic — emigrated to Australia with his family when mum Lindsay got a job in Perth.
      The Ipswich ace said: “My mum was working for a gas company in Aberdeen and it was the same firm in Australia so it was an opportunity for her to move out there with work. 
      It was right to commit to Australia because of what they did for me when I moved there. I’m glad I’ve done it.Cameron Burgess
      “Obviously leaving my friends behind was upsetting but going to Perth felt like a big holiday. 
      “Then I’m suddenly going to school there and you think, ‘Right, we’ve actually moved here.’
      “Australia is a totally different place. We moved out before the summer began so it was hot. 
      “You kind of get into the swing of things quickly as a kid, adapt, get on with it. 
      “I’ve a lot of close friends that I grew up with from early on. I’ve lots of happy memories.”
      Jackson Irvine has Scottish heritage with his dad coming from Aberdeen
      Lewis Miller is flying the flag for Scotland playing for Australia against England
      Kye Rowles is a rock for Hearts in the SPL
      Aussie star Ryan Strain is strutting his stuff at St Mirren
      Burgess played youth football for ECU Joondalup — now known at Perth Red Star — a junior club with a track record of developing talent. 
      The likes of former Australian ace Rhys Williams, who played in the Premier League for Middlesbrough; Bolton’s Jack Iredale, Charlton’s Ash Maynard-Brewer and former Portsmouth, Rotherham and Barnsley’s Ryan Williams all came through the ranks.
      And it was while he was there that he was invited for a trial in the UK with Fulham and got signed by the Cottagers when he was 16.
      Burgess went on to play in a team that won the Premier League Under-18s that included Fulham keeper Marek Rodak, Moussa Dembele who went on to play for Celtic and Lyon, Sunderland’s Patrick Roberts and Emerson Hyndman who broke into the US national side.
      Ironically, the Ipswich defender made his senior debut for the Cottagers at Portman Road nine years ago.
      He said: “It was the first game Fulham played after being relegated from the Premier League. 
      “Felix Magath was manager and there was a group of young lads who managed to get training with the first team, trying to grab the opportunity with both hands really. 
      “He picked me and I was up against Daryl Murphy and David McGoldrick. I played in front of the back four at the base of a diamond alongside Hyndman and Scott Parker.”
      Burgess only managed four outings for Fulham and got loaned out to Ross County, Cheltenham, Oldham and Bury before moving to Scunthorpe where he reached the League One play-offs in 2018 only to suffer relegation the following season.
      After a loan at Salford, he had a season at Accrington before being snapped up by Ipswich, who won promotion to the Championship last season and are now eyeing Premier League football.
      Burgess made his Australia debut in a friendly last month against Mexico in Dallas, Texas — a match that saw him give away a penalty in a 2-2 draw.
      The defender said: “I felt it was right to commit to Australia because of what they did for me when I moved there. I’m glad I’ve done it.
      “I always knew I could get a call-up from Australia and make my senior debut. It was a case of working hard at Ipswich, doing the right thing and it’s the reward for that. 
      “The Mexico game was a great experience. We played in the Dallas Cowboys stadium, full of Mexican fans because it’s close to being a home game for them. The penalty was a soft one though!”
      Australian football has never been in better health. The Socceroos enjoyed their best World Cup campaign last year — beating Tunisia and Denmark in the group stage before narrowly losing 2-1 to eventual winners Argentina in the last 16.
      And Tottenham’s appointment in the summer of Aussie coach Ange Postecoglou was also a huge deal for football Down Under.
      Burgess said: “I’ve come across him a couple of times in the junior Australia camps and he has a good presence. 
      “I’ve kept an eye on how he’s been doing and it’s not a surprise he’s now at Tottenham.
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      “My Ipswich and Australia team-mate Massimo Luongo played for him and always speaks highly of him. Everyone knew what a good coach he already was just by winning things back in Australia. 
      “I remember when I was growing up, I used to watch his teams and obviously what he’s done since then with the national team, out in Japan and with Celtic it shows how good he is — and it’s great for Australian football.” More

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      Watch hilarious moment lone wind-up merchant gets on pitch and has rival EFL supporters trying to storm past stewards

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      A CHEEKY Swindon Town fan burst onto the pitch to wind-up rival supporters – before he was pelted with tennis balls.The incident occurred on Wednesday as Reading hosted the Robins at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
      A Swindon fan burst on the pitch to wind-up Reading fans last nightCredit: X formerly Twitter
      Security then escorted him out of the ground past the angry Royals mobCredit: X formerly Twitter
      The Royals suffered relegation from the Championship last term and their opening to this campaign in League One has been marred by administration fears and a four-point deduction.
      Fed-up fans have been venting their fury at the ownership of the club as they sit 22nd in the third tier.
      A number of protests have been staged against owner Dai Yongge over recent weeks, which include supporters throwing tennis balls on the pitch.
      But they got a bit of welcome relief from their dire league position as they took on Swindon in the EFL Trophy.
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      Reading thrashed Swindon 5-0 thanks to a hat-trick from Harvey Knibbs and further strikes from Paul Mukairu and Harlee Dean.
      However, during the encounter, a Swindon fan charged from the away end and raced towards the corner flag in front of the Reading supporters to wind them up over their troubles.
      He goaded them by holding out his arms and appearing to chant at them before a number of tennis balls began being hurled towards him.
      A number of irate fans then piled forward in the stand to try and get on to the pitch to confront the pitch invader, forcing sewards to hold them back.
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      Another steward then managed to escort the lone Swindon supporter off the pitch before he was man-handled and taken out of the ground when another appeared on the scene.
      But it was the Reading faithful that got the final say as the invader was taken through an exit in the corner right next to those who he had just been winding-up.
      They continued to pelt and hurl abuse at the Swindon fan as the two stewards struggled to drag him past the baying mob. More

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      Forgotten Harry Kane team-mate was Ballon d’Or nominee and wants to join fellow Aussie Postecoglou in Premier League

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      MASSIMO LUONGO hopes to join Ange Postecoglou as an Aussie hero in the Premier League with Ipswich.The Tractor Boys, riding high in the Championship after promotion from League One last season, are just two points off leaders Leicester and are eight clear of the play-off places after 11 games.
      Massimo Luongo is starring in the Championship with IpswichCredit: Rex
      The Aussie played for his country under Ange PostecoglouCredit: Getty
      Kieran McKenna has Ipswich dreaming of back-to-back promotions, something no side has achieved in over a decade.
      The squad are keeping their feet firmly on the ground, but having watched Australia turn into a nation of Tottenham fans since Postecoglou’s arrival, it is hard not to dream of converting a few of them to Ipswich.
      Luongo told SunSport: “That would be lovely… we’ll see.
      “What Ange is doing is incredible.
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      “Every Aussie is following Tottenham now, every Aussie is a secret Tottenham supporter. 
      “It is great to watch from afar. Being in this country, everyone knows he’s a genuine person. You can see that in his interviews and he’s got passion for the game, he is hungry for the success.
      “Has it surprised me? No, definitely not. I’m surprised that an Aussie had the opportunity to get into the Premier League. 
      “He’s already blown expectations out by doing that.”
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      Harry Kane is now starring at Bayern MunichCredit: Getty
      On Ipswich’s flying start, the midfielder added: “We’re doing alright, only 11 games in but we’re doing some good stuff and it’s enjoyable which is the main thing. 
      “Promotion last season was the plan but even now we’re not talking about promotion. 
      “We’re talking about building our performances. 
      “We know where we’re at, we’re not stupid. We’re second in the league but we need to stay humble and do the right things.”
      Luongo’s success at Ipswich has seen him recalled to the Australia squad ahead of Friday’s game with England at a sold out Wembley.
      The former Swindon man, 31, is relishing a reunion with former Spurs academy team-mate Harry Kane, but is also ready to see just how far Jude Bellingham has come since the two met in a 1-1 draw between Birmingham and Sheffield Wednesday four years ago.
      Luongo said: “He is a top player, I played against him when he was at Birmingham and was 17. 
      “The hype was huge at that age. As an experienced Champ player you think he’s not that good but then you realise he’s 17. 
      “He matched the hype, for sure.
      “He was able to shine, he looked incredible. His brother is doing the same in the Championship. 
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      “It will be a bit different playing Jude to Jobe, he’s got a few years on him. 
      “He is playing at the best club in the world, I always look forward to coming up against someone like that.”
      Luongo began his professional career at TottenhamCredit: Getty
      Bellingham starred for Birmingham as a teenagerCredit: Getty More

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      League One club unveil plans for £100m new stadium and face race against time or risk being HOMELESS in three years

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      OXFORD UNITED have unveiled plans for a state-of-the-art new £100million 16,000-seater stadium.The O’s are contracted to play at their current Kassam home until 2026.
      Oxford United have unveiled their new stadium plansCredit: Oxford United
      The O’s want to move into their new home by 2026Credit: Oxford United
      The new stadium will seat 16,000 fansCredit: Oxford United
      Rather than extend their agreement, however, they are instead looking to move.
      Oxford have revealed plans to build a new stadium at The Triangle in Kidlington.
      In addition to their playing facilities, the Os’ plan to incorporate a 180-bed hotel, restaurant, conference centre and health and wellbeing space.
      They also aim to build a community plaza, featuring a new club shop as well as further retail, restaurant, bar and cafe facilities.
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      While Oxford’s current Kassam Stadium home infamously only has three stands, with a car park behind one of the goals, their new home would feature an enclosed bowl.
      The modern design includes a tight bowl that will take fans closer to the action.
      Oxford want both their men’s and women’s teams to use the their proposed new ground.
      While they believe that the new stadium site is better connected by public transport than the Kassam.
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      Oxford want to turn their new ground into a community hubCredit: Oxford United
      The project would cost around £100millionCredit: Oxford United
      Speaking about the project, Oxford chief executive Tim Williams said: “With our right to use the Kassam Stadium coming to an end in 2026 and no option to renew the lease, we must find a new home.
      “The club is committed to developing a proposal which is highly sustainable and community focused whilst providing a state-of-the-art destination for all.
      “The further detail we have released today shows how seriously we take these principles, and I am delighted to share the first glimpse of our stadium with the whole of Oxfordshire.
      “I hope everyone from Kidlington, the surrounding areas and across the county will come to the exhibition and take a look at the plans.
      “We want to hear all your feedback.”
      Oxford chiefs will be meeting fans to discuss the project and answer questions in the coming weeks.
      Oxford’s current Kassam Stadium home only has three standsCredit: Rex More

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      Crisis-club Reading’s players suffer barrage of abuse from fans after manager makes them stand in front of fuming crowd

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      READING stars were subject to abuse from their own fans after suffering yet another defeat.George Moncur’s last-minute winner for Leyton Orient left the Royals in the League One relegation zone – four points off safety thanks to their four-point deduction.
      Several Reading players approached the away end to apologise for the defeat
      Harlee Dean spoke to raging supporters
      Manager Ruben Selles also spoke with some of the travelling contingent
      That sparked outrage in the away end with chants of: “You’re not fit to wear the shirt” ringing around Brisbane Road.
      Fans also sang: “We want our Reading back.”
      Manager Ruben Selles approached fans to apologise for yet another away defeat – Reading have now picked up just 12 points from a possible 87 on the road dating back to the beginning of last season.
      Several Reading players applauded the more than 1,200 travelling support with defender Harlee Dean also speaking to fans.
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      However he was met with a lot of finger-pointing from fed up supporters, who saw their club suffer relegation from the Championship last season.
      Reading have been embroiled in crisis for several months and have been deducted 16 points over the last two years.
      Last month they were hit with a four-point sanction by the EFL after failing to deposit funds.
      The club was also placed under another transfer embargo and came close to a further points deduction by almost failing to pay their players on time.
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      On the pitch the team has not fared much better with just three wins in 11 games.
      Fans have protested against the club’s owner Dai Yongge and managed to get last week’s match with Burton suspended after throwing tennis balls onto the pitch.
      Yongge is open to selling the club but has reportedly set his asking price at £80million, which some fans believe is too high. More

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      League Two club sack manager with stunned fans left saying ‘didn’t see that happening’ after mixed start to season

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      GILLINGHAM have sacked manager Neil Harris.The League Two side fell to eighth in the table following their 2-0 defeat at Crewe on Tuesday night.
      Gillingham have sacked manager Neil HarrisCredit: PA
      Harris, 46, joined Gillingham in January 2022 having previously managed Millwall and Cardiff.
      The former striker couldn’t prevent the Gills from League One relegation during his first half-season in charge.
      He subsequently guided them to a 17th finish in League Two amid a takeover last term.
      In a club statement, the Gills confirmed: “Gillingham Football Club has today decided to part company with Manager Neil Harris, who has been in charge at Priestfield for just over 20 months.
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      “Having joined the Club in February of 2022, Neil nearly kept the team in League One, getting relegated on the last day of the season on goal difference, making up a 10-point deficit in the process.
      “The Club has decided it now wishes to go in a different direction and will begin the process of identifying a Head Coach to take the team forward.”
      Harris’ assistant David Livermore has also departed Priestfield.
      Gillingham have confirmed that Keith Millen will step in as interim boss while they conduct their new manager search.
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      Millen, 57, has previously managed Bristol City and Carlisle United, as well as Swedish side Orgryte IS.
      He also had three spells as Crystal Palace’s caretaker boss.

      Fans have had a mixed reaction to Harris’ dismissal.
      One tweeted: “Never saw that coming.”
      While a second wrote: “Bit of a dip in form and sacked? Seems a strange one.”
      Another fan replied, however: “Bit of a dip of form? We’ve not played well even when winning.”
      A further social media user commented: “Do feel for Neil but was never going to be anything but a mid table side watching a defensive minded team I do feel he has created a brilliant team that can really achieve in this league but hasn’t been able to execute it I wish him all the best thank you for everything!”
      And a fourth added: “That’s come out of the blue! Not too sad about it though, hopefully a new manager will get the best out of what is a very talented squad.”
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      Harris won 31 of his 90 games in charge of Gillingham, drawing 25 and losing 34.
      The Gills are set to host MK Dons on Saturday.
      Keith Millen has stepped in as caretaker bossCredit: Rex More

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      Man Utd legend SACKED by League Two strugglers after horror spell in charge with club languishing in 18th spot

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      BRADFORD have sacked manager Mark Hughes after 20 months in charge of the League Two club.It comes after the fourth-tier side were beaten 2-1 by fellow strugglers Tranmere on Tuesday night.
      Mark Hughes took charge of Bradford in February 2022Credit: Alamy
      Bradford have won just one of their last seven games in all competitions and sit 18th in League Two.
      Midfielder Kevin McDonald will take charge of the team while they look for a permanent successor to Hughes – who took the club to the play-offs last season where they lost to Carlisle.
      Bradford’s CEO Ryan Sparks confirmed the news, saying: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank Mark and Glyn for their efforts and services to our football club over the past 19 months.
      “They made a great impact when they arrived at the club, both on and off the field, and last season came close to delivering on our aims.
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      “Unfortunately, since our defeat at Carlisle in the play-off semi-final, results have been disappointing, and after 11 league games we find ourselves a long way away from where we expect to be.
      “As a result, the decision has been taken to move in a different direction in an effort to get our season on track.

      “On a personal level, I have very much enjoyed working alongside Mark and Glyn, and we go our separate ways on good terms.
      “I would ask supporters to join me in wishing both them and their families the very best for the future, while reflecting on some of the memorable moments they brought us.”
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      Hughes had spent more than three years out of work before taking the Bradford job having been sacked by Southampton in December 2018.
      He began his coaching career in 1999 after a storied playing career which saw him enjoy spells with Man Utd, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Everton.
      Since hanging up his boots, he has coached the likes of Wales, Blackburn, Man City, Fulham, QPR and Stoke.
      But Bradford fans seemed to be happy to see him go following a dismal run of form.
      Speaking on social media, one said: “What a disaster of an appointment that was.”
      While another added: “Was a nice guys but the lack of wanting to play the ball forward was bizarre. No idea what happens now, hope there is a plan in for place.”
      And a third replied: “Thank you for last season Hughes, but it was needed.” More