Press Release Article

Monday 28th January 2002: Former England star Kevin will get United ace to sign up- at last!

EX-Ipswich Town and England footballer Kevin Beattie will put right an unfulfilled schoolboy ambition next week when he returns to Carlisle to join in an event being organised by the Carlisle and Cumbria United Independent Supporters' Trust. Kevin, who played at the highest level for many seasons. is a Botcherby lad who once stood on the Brunton Park terraces.

His idol was record scorer Hughie McIlmoyle, but Kevin never quite managed to grab his favourite player's autography, although it wasn't for want of trying. He recalls one day, after standing at the Warwick Road End watching McIlmoyle in full flow, rushing across in a bid to get Hughie to sign. However it was a filthy wet day and McIlmoyle gasped: "Sorry son, I have to dash for a bath." Kevin is coming to Harraby Catholic Club for the CCUIST evening on February 8, one of a host of well-known ex-players who are lined up to appear.

He said: "I used to worship Hughie McIlmoyle. I never did manage to get his autograph, but that's something I intend putting right when I meet him at the do." The CCUIST, which includes entertainment by a top show group, will be a nostalgic occasion for some of the former Carlisle United stars and their families who are getting together to support the aims of the Supporters' Trust.

Trust member Dick Young, whose late father coached United in their most successful era, said: "It is fantastic that these ex-players still have such a feeling of loyalty for the club and its fans. When I spoke to Kevin Beattie he said he would be delighted to travel up for the event. I am overwhelmed by the support of former players who are travelling the length and breadth of the country to be there, as well as those who still live locally. It shows the level of affection they retain for the club."

Although Kevin Beattie never played for United, he was a fan in his youth and is probably the city's best know footballing product. Last year he wrote his autobiography and copies of the book will be available at Harraby Catholic Club on the evening with proceeds going towards Kevin's nominated charity, the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Among those attending will be Hugh McIlmoye, Alex Brown, Peter McConnell, John Halpin, Tot Winstanley, Joe Dean, Tom Clark. John Evans, George McVitie, Ann Shackley(daughter of ex-physio Herbert Nicholson), Helen Ross(widow of Allan) and Elaine Humes (partner of the late Chris Balderstone).

Among the event's sponsors are Dave Fordy of Carlsberg and city businessman Ged Crooks, owner of the Lakes Court Hotel. Mr Young said: "We are looking forward to a tremendous evening with lots to chat about. Hopefully by then the ownership situation at Brunton Park will be a bit clearer and there will be something to celebrate as well."

The aims of CCUIST are to build up a fund to buy shares in United and to achieve meaningful supporter representation on the board under now ownership. The CCUIST golf tournament will this year go ahead in June and a sporting dinner is planned for October. There are still tickets left for the February 8 event.