NL 2025/26 Preview: Carlisle United

7th July 2025 11:50 am

Carlisle United: 2025/26 Season Preview – Time to Bounce Back

After a dismal 2024/25 League Two campaign, Carlisle United find themselves in the National League for the first time since 2004. Relegation was a bitter pill, but it brings with it a chance to reset—and under the guidance of Mark Hughes, one of the most high-profile managers ever to take charge in the fifth tier, expectations are sky-high.

It should also be noted, it’s now successive relegations for The Cumbrians who dropped out of League One in 2024 and have continued to fall having won just 17 of their last 92 league games across the bottom two EFL divisions.

Doom and gloom aside; the backing of a loyal fanbase and an experienced core, has persuaded most bookmakers to install them as early season title favourites. The challenge is clear: win promotion, and do it fast.

Last Season in Review

League Position: 23rd (Relegated from League Two)
Average Attendance: 7,425 (7th best in the division)
FA Cup: 1st Round – Lost 0-2 at home to Wigan Athletic
FA Trophy: Did not enter
Top Scorer: Matty Dennis (6 goals, now at Notts County)

Carlisle struggled for consistency all season, struggling for goals in League Two and exiting the FA Cup at the first hurdle. Their late season rally of sorts, coinciding with Hughes’ appointment, was not enough to lift them out of the mire and relegation was the ultimate result of a side lacking identity, cohesion, and clinical finishing—something Hughes will be expected to address immediately.

Summer Business: A Foundation, But Still Work To Do

After last season’s embarrassment, the message from the terraces is clear: no more chaff.

“Fit, hungry players regardless of age are what’s needed. A big push for the top spot has to be our aim. But we don’t need OTT banners or soundbites. Let’s do it on the pitch.”

Supporters have applauded the addition of Linney and are calling for early transfer business to avoid a repeat of last season’s sluggish start. There’s a real desire for substance over style.

As one fan summed it up on the forum:

“What kind of bizarre reality do we live in where we are headed into the Conference with a strike force including Georgie Kelly, Charlie Wyke, and Luke Armstrong? If the first two are fit, they’ll surely rip it up.”

Squad

Carlisle United enter the National League with a squad stacked with big names but clear gaps needing attention. Gabe Breeze is set to step up as No.1 in goal, while moving on the expensive Harry Lewis and bringing in a reliable backup would tidy the position. In defence, issues remain, with Hayden and Thomas struggling with pace and aerial battles, while full-back options are underwhelming, leaving at least two new centre-backs and a senior left-back on the shopping list.

Midfield has promise with Whelan impressing, but it lacks bite and dynamism, making a couple of energetic additions essential. Out wide, Carlisle need pace and width to balance their attack, particularly if Hughes shifts to a 4-4-2. Up front, the trio of Georgie Kelly, Charlie Wyke, and Luke Armstrong provides serious firepower, complemented by Regan Linney’s proven National League quality, but the departure of Matty Dennis means a sharper edge could still be needed if they want to control the division from the off.

Player to Watch: Georgie Kelly (Striker)

Why?

Proven Goalscorer at League of Ireland and in both the EFL Championship and League One with a powerful, direct style that bullies National League defences.
If fit, he’s expected to lead the line with Charlie Wyke, with many fans believing he’ll “rip it up” at this level.
Carlisle’s supply lines (Embleton, Wearne, Linney) will focus on feeding Kelly in the box, maximising his strength and movement.
In a league where clinical strikers make the difference, Kelly’s aerial threat and poacher instincts should see him hit 15–20 goals if he stays fit.

Key context:

Carlisle have big-name firepower (Kelly, Wyke, Armstrong, Linney) but Kelly offers the best blend of physicality and finishing.
With National League defences often struggling against strong 9s, Kelly could be the player that defines Carlisle’s promotion push.

New Signings

Regan Linney (Forward, from Altrincham) – Proven at National League level
Morgan Feeney (Shrewsbury Town) – back at Carlisle after a season away
David Ajiboye (Winger, Peterborough United)
Junior Luamba (Forward, Salford City)
Sam Murray (Defender, Manchester United U21s)
Josh Grant (Midfielder, Wealdstone)
Bevis Mugabi (Defender, Famagusta)

Retained Core

Academy Graduates: Sam Hetherington; Jake Allan; Dan Hopper (Academy)
Goalkeepers: Gabe Breeze (GK); Harry Lewis (GK); Jude Smith (GK)
Defence: Jack Ellis (RB); Archie Davies (RWB); Josh Williams (RWB); Aaron Hayden (CB); Terell Thomas (CB); Cameron Harper (LWB);
Midfield: Ethan Robson (CM); Will Patching (CM — but since loaned to Coleraine FC for entire 2025/26 season); Callum Whelan (CM); Elliot Embleton (CAM); Stephen Wearne (CAM);
Forwards: Jordan Jones (Winger); Luke Armstrong (ST); Charlie Wyke (ST); Georgie Kelly (ST); Cedwyn Scott (ST)

Departure list

Released/departed: Ben Barclay, Taylor Charters, Anton Dudik, Paul Dummett, Callum Guy, Sam Lavelle, Dylan McGeouch, Josh Vela, Matty Dennis (Notts County)
Loans returned: Joe Bevan, Sean Fusire, Joe Hugill, Charlie McArthur

2025/26 Prediction: 1st–3rd (Title Challengers)

Strengths:

Proven firepower in Wyke, Kelly, Armstrong and now Linney
Large, experienced squad with EFL pedigree
Mark Hughes’ profile and contacts could attract quality signings
Massive fanbase and infrastructure advantage over most NL clubs

Weaknesses:

Defence still fragile and short on numbers
Midfield lacks energy and grit
Wingers lack pace—width and dynamism badly needed
Uncertainty over expensive fringe players (e.g. Lewis, Robson, Smith)

If Carlisle can plug the obvious gaps—particularly in central defence and midfield—they’ll be well-positioned to launch an immediate return to League Two. With the right recruitment in June and July, it’s unsurprising the bookies make the Cumbrians title favourites.