Meet the team:

John Halpin

John Halpin was one of the most exciting wingers ever to grace Brunton Park.  Born and raised in Armdale, twenty miles outside Glasgow, he played for many junior local teams before being spotted by the mighty Celtic.  Three enjoyable seasons followed until Carlisle manager Bob Stokoe expressed an interest in the pacey wide man in October 1984.

Carlisle were doing well in the Second Division and Halpin jumped at the chance, though it hurt to leave his beloved Glasgow.  Just three games into his Brunton Park adventure he broke his cheek bone and was sidelined for 2 months.  In a fantastic Carlisle career that spanned the next 7 years he unbelievably broke his leg three times, fighting his way back to full fitness on every occasion. He made a total of 153 appearances scoring 17 goals before he moved on to Rochdale in July 1991.   His goal against Blackburn in January 1986, here at Brunton Park, remains one of the best we've ever seen and is certainly one of the most talked about CUFC moments of all time.

After a final year of professional football Halpin returned to Carlisle and, after a chance meeting with David Wilkes, accepted the offer to become part of the Football in the Community staff.  He carried out his duties to the full, never tiring of visiting schools, organising training days for kids, attending and organising open days and holding open training sessions.  He completed his full coaching badge in 1998 and has assisted players both old and young as they set out on the road to coaching qualifications ever since.

When called upon to assist with first team training and tactics after the departure of Mervyn Day he again reacted admirably.  His dedication, with the help of David Wilkes, helped to steer the club through an awful period but he left shortly afterwards when it became clear that the then owner had a hidden agenda.

Maintaining a link with the club throughout his absence he still takes his place in the Press Box to this day as he supplies vital information to the Press Association during first team matches.  Taking up the Football in the Community post, following the departure of Lawrie Pearson early in the 04/05 season, it is expected that the programme will flourish once more under his expert guidance.

James Tose

James is a full time regional coach and is responsible for implementing coaching programmes in the Carlisle and West Cumbria region.  He also works with the trainees on all aspects of their apprenticeship.

He holds an HND in Sport and Exercise Science and gained a 1st4Sport Level 2 in Coaching Football.  He also has a 1st4Sport Level 2 in the treatment and management of injuries, a Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy and a Level 1 in Psychology of Football.

On the playing side he turned out for North of England boys clubs and spent two years at Middlesborough.  He has worked as a Community Coach with Liverpool and Southampton before coming to Carlisle.

Away from work he is a keen Newcastle United fan and spends a lot of time in the gym.

Nick Rigg

Nick is a full time regional head coach.  His main responsibilities are organising football coaching schools during and after school, and developing strong links between the schools and Carlisle United.  He works mostly in the Penrith and Kendal districts.

Extensively quliafied Nick has a UEFA B coaching licence and an HND in Sports Studies.  He has played, in the past, for his University team, Kendal Town and Carlton Rovers.  His coaching experience includes Kendal Town u18s, Ukelite (USA), the Newcastle Football in the Community programme and Carlisle United Academy u14s.

Away from work Nick has a keen interest in football and cricket, playing for local teams, and is a keen supporter of both Carlisle United and Everton.  He also enjoys a night out at the flicks, a dabble with Championship Manager and a good meal in a decent restaurant.  If all else fails a McDonalds drive through will suffice.

Matt Graham

Matt is a trainee coach and describes his current duties as helping to get the kit together, making sure it is all clean and serviceable, and working closely with the senior coaches as he earns his own qualifications.

He holds the FA Level 1 coaching certificate already and also assists with the coaching and training of a local u13 football team.

When not at the club he can usually be found blasting his way round the golf course with a 3 iron or watching football at any level, anywhere.

Barry Keal

Barry is also a trainee coach with the Community programme.  His assorted duties consist of sorting out the kit and equipment, and working closely with the coaches as he, himself, works towards his qualifications.  He already holds the FA Level 1 coaching qualification.

Barry has played for his school and local football teams and has assisted with Carlisle Spartans u12s.  In addition to his time spent with the Community programme he enjoys the odd round of golf, a bit of tennis and listening to his favourite music, as well as just generally relaxing and chilling out!