The Blues Notebook is the official Carlisle United podcast created by the News & Star, previewing, reacting to and discussing all things Carlisle United.
Was Harrogate the Craziest Game in Years? | Harrogate Review & Altrincham Preview
Carlisle United’s remarkable nine-man victory over Harrogate Town takes centre stage in the latest episode of the Blues Notebook podcast.
We look back at an extraordinary night at Brunton Park, debate the two red cards and discuss the fight shown by Rob Elliot’s side.
The duo reflects on the win at Solihull Moors and asks whether Carlisle’s season is finally gathering momentum.
Away from the pitch, we discuss Morgan Feeney’s contract extension and new signing Callum Camps, including whether his arrival signals a shift towards greater EFL experience in United’s recruitment.
There is also a round-up of former Blues, including Harrison Neal and Omari Patrick, and the latest trivia.
Finally, attention turns to Saturday’s trip to Altrincham as Carlisle look to continue their promising run of form.
22 Oct 2026
Can Carlisle Carry Momentum? | Tamworth Review & Solihull Preview
With a place in the FA Cup first round secured, the latest episode of The Blues Notebook looks at whether Rob Elliot’s Carlisle United are beginning to build some genuine momentum.
We reflect on the 2-1 win over Tamworth, Regan Linney’s two-goal contribution and the question of whether the Blues have finally turned a corner after going four games unbeaten. We also discuss the striker situation, the growing competition for places following opportunities for Kenton Richardson and Tom Anderson, Toby Mullarkey’s return and Will Rafferty’s memorable senior debut.
There’s also a look at the bigger picture surrounding Carlisle’s academy and what another season outside the EFL could mean, before attention turns to the trip to Solihull Moors, team selection and our score predictions.
14 Oct 2026
Can We Build FA Cup Momentum? | Kidderminster Review & Tamworth Preview
On this episode of the Blues Notebook, Jon and Matthew reflect on the disappointing goalless draw at Brunton Park against Kidderminster Harriers. They break down the poor performance, the lack of goal-scoring threat and whether Rob Elliot's absence on the touchline really affects his Carlisle United side.Elsewhere, the duo discuss news in and around the National League, Dale Vince's Forest Green managerless experiment, Baller League, Sam Lavelle and more.Jon teases the upcoming interview with the Blues' new CEO, Tom Lawrence. And as we look ahead to Tamworth, Jon takes us back to the 1920s for this week's trivia question. Read our Carlisle United coverage here: https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/sport/football/carlisle-united/
7 Oct 2026
Can Carlisle Make It Three in a Row? | Kidderminster Preview
This week on the Blues Notebook, Matthew and Jon break down United's away triumph against Aldershot, and Ajiboye's brace that propelled Rob Elliot's side to victory.
The duo also break down the big news in the world of the Blues, including Harry McKirdy's retirement, Hayden Atkinson's loan extension, Robbie Savage departing the National League and more.
Alongside the ever-popular trivia question, we also look ahead to Saturday's early kick-off against Kidderminster Harriers at Brunton Park.
Read all our coverage here: https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/sport/football/carlisle-united/
1 Oct 2026
Was Fylde a Real Turning Point or Just a Reaction? | Aldershot Preview
After a humiliating 5-2 home defeat to Woking, pressure mounted on Carlisle United boss Rob Elliot and frustration among supporters reached new levels.But just days later, the Blues responded with a 2-0 away win at AFC Fylde, prompting questions over whether it was the start of a turnaround or simply a reaction to one of the club's lowest moments of the season.In this week's Blues Notebook podcast, Matthew Graham and Jon Colman discuss:⚽ The fallout from Carlisle's 5-2 defeat to Woking ⚽ Why supporter frustration feels different this time ⚽ The biggest issues facing the Blues right now ⚽ Rob Elliot's response and the pressure on his position ⚽ What changed in the win over AFC Fylde ⚽ Which players stepped up when Carlisle needed a response ⚽ Whether one result changes the bigger picture ⚽ What a successful October would look like ⚽ Mark Hughes' link to Forest Green Rovers ⚽ Trafford's England clean sheet ⚽ Remembering former Carlisle defender Courtney Meppen-Walter ⚽ New signings and what Tom Anderson can bring ⚽ FA Youth Cup disappointment against Newcastle Blue Star ⚽ Previewing the trip to Aldershot and discussing promotion hopes🎙️ Subscribe to the Blues Notebook for weekly Carlisle United discussion, analysis and reaction from the News & Star football team.📰 Read Jon Colman's Carlisle United coverage: https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/sport/carlisle-united/
24 Sept 2026
Is the Woking Match Already a Must-Win for Rob Elliot? | The Blues Notebook
Carlisle United’s tough start to the season and growing pressure on boss Rob Elliot are the focus of this week’s The Blues Notebook podcast.The episode reviews the 1-0 defeat at Eastleigh and examines United’s ongoing defensive issues and lack of clean sheets.Jon and Matthew also discusses Elliot’s recent red card and the mounting criticism he faces.Listeners will hear the latest team news, including updates on Brad Nicholson, Regan Linney, and Morgan Feeney.The podcast also shares fan messages comparing Hughes’ side to Rob Elliot’s.
17 Sept 2026
Are These Goalscoring Issues Becoming a Bigger Problem? | Eastleigh Preview
On this episode of the Blues Notebook, Matthew and Jon pick over the Southend and Forest Green draws, why performances are poor, and what must change.The duo also dissect the continuing set-piece issues following another goal conceded from a corner against Robbie Savage's side.The boys also preview United's long trip to Eastleigh and outline that the Blues must win their next five games. All while Matthew scratches his head over Jon's trivia.
This week on The Blues Notebook, Matthew Graham and Jon Colman pick apart another frustrating Carlisle United result after the late collapse at Boreham Wood.
The pair discuss why the Blues continue to struggle from set pieces, their inability to see out games.
They also take a deeper look at Carlisle's alarming record defending dead-ball situations and debate whether the lack of clean sheets should be a major concern.
With Luke Skinner returning to Bristol City and questions over Carlisle's attacking options, the conversation turns to whether the club needs to enter the market for another striker before it's too late.
Looking ahead, the lads preview Southend United's visit to Brunton Park, assessing the threats posed by Kieron Dyer's side, discussing the latest injury news and examining the pressure building around another crucial home fixture.
Plus, the latest on Jonah Lowes' return to Darlington and what it means for Carlisle's squad depth going forward.
3 Sept 2026
The Blues Notebook episode 6 - BANK HOLIDAY DOUBLE HEADER, TEDDY JENKS & BOREHAM WOOD
AFTER a short break, Jon Colman and Matthew Graham return for Episode six with plenty to discuss following a busy spell for Carlisle United.The pair look back on a mixed run of results, from the victory against Hornchurch to a frustrating draw away at Wealdstone, before dissecting the entertaining 4-2 win over Scunthorpe United at Brunton Park.Are Rob Elliot's ideas beginning to take shape? There's also a closer look at standout performers including Miguel Azeez, Leo Duru, Josh Williams and goalkeeper Adam Desbois, while wider discussion centres on new signing Teddy Jenks, injury updates on Harvey Macadam and Luke Armstrong, and the surprise speculation linking Mani Dieseruvwe with a move to Brunton Park.The lads also preview Saturday's trip to Boreham Wood, assess the threats posed by Luke Garrard's former side despite the departure of Abdulmalik, and highlight Carlisle United's upcoming Retro Kit Day initiative with the CUFC Heritage Trust.
21 Aug 2026
The Blues Notebook episode 5 - YEOVIL DRAW, TRANSPARENCY QUESTIONS & HORNCHURCH
On this episode of The Blues Notebook, we break down the last gasp equaliser an overall performance from Rob Elliot's side away at Yeovil, and how that could propel the Blues to their first win.
We also take a look at the key points from Elliot's press conference, the criticisms for signing Gateshead players and if the budget is really there.
We also break down the latest fan engagement index ranking, and why we haven't been able to speak to the club's hierarchy.
Finally we look ahead to Hornchurch's visit to Brunton Park, and Jon tests Matthew's knowledge in this weeks trivia question.
14 Aug 2026
The Blues Notebook episode 4 - WORTHING FALLOUT, NEW GOALKEEPER AND YEOVIL PREVIEW
Welcome back to episode four of the Blues Notebook, with Jon Colman and Matthew Graham, as Carlisle United begin life in the National League again.In this episode, we look back at a disappointing opening-day defeat to Worthing. Were there nevertheless encouraging signs in the first hour, what changed as the game went on, and does Rob Elliot have the squad depth needed to make his high-energy style work over a 46-game season?There is a look ahead to Yeovil, including Archie Davies’ return to his former club, the threat posed by a side who drew their opener with Scunthorpe and have recruited well over the summer, plus what we want to see improved from United.We also discuss the goalkeeper change, with Gabe Breeze now a Cambridge United player and Adam Desbois arriving from Gateshead. Is Desbois the right replacement?
6 Aug 2026
The Blues Notebook episode 3 - WORTHING, PRE-SEASON AND NL PREDICTIONS
EPISODE three of The Blues Notebook looks ahead to the start of the National League season after a strong 3–0 win over Derby County U21s in Carlisle’s final pre‑season outing.
We break down what that performance really told us about Rob Elliot’s developing style, the shape of his first XI, and which players look ready to start the campaign.
We also dig into Elliot’s latest press conference – his messages on expectations for the season, what threats he thinks Worthing pose and injury updates.
Finally, we go around the division with our National League predictions: title contenders, play‑off hopefuls, mid‑table sides and strugglers.
31 Jul 2026
The Blues Notebook episode 2 - SALFORD DEFEAT, TRANSFERS & CEO
Episode 2 breaks down Carlisle United’s 2–0 pre‑season defeat to Salford, looks ahead to the final friendly, and digs into the new kits, transfer rumours and the club's new CEO.Share your thoughts on the Salford game, the kits, and who you’d start on opening day – and don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe to The Blues Notebook.
21 Jul 2026
The Blues Notebook episode 1 - TRIALISTS, INJURIES & THE FUTURE
Welcome to the first episode of the News & Star's Carlisle United podcast, The Blues Notebook. Matthew Graham and Jon Colman breakdown United's 5-0 loss to Workington, pre-season injuries and the future of the team ahead of the new season.
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