Kavanagh

FORMER Sunderland midfielder Graham Kavanagh admits it will be a “proud moment” when he returns to the Stadium of Light as Carlisle boss.


The League One Cumbrians will head to Wearside next month after being handed a plum draw in the third round of the FA Cup.

Kavanagh, who was appointed as Carlisle manager in September, endured an injury-hit spell with Sunderland after becoming one of Roy Keane’s first signings in the summer of 2006.

But the 40-year-old, who made just 15 first-team appearances for the Black Cats, insists he has retained his affection for the club.

“On a personal level it’s great for me,” he said.

“I still live over that way and Sunderland is a club I have close to my heart. I still look out for their results and a lot of my friends are Mackems.

“I got a whole load of text messages within minutes of the draw coming through so there’s definitely a lot of interest.

“It will be a proud moment when I’m stood in the dug out and waiting for kick off.

“It’s a wonderful venue and the fans were unbelievable with me when I was there.

“I didn’t play as regularly as I would have liked because I picked up an injury about six months into it, but they were top drawer whenever I pulled the shirt on.

“Having said all of that, I’m going there to try to win. It’s not just about enjoying the experience, it’s about trying to do our job and get our club through to the next round.”

Carlisle, who have ex-Sunderland defender Pascal Chimbonda and academy product Liam Noble in their ranks, triumphed over League One high-fliers Brentford in last weekend’s second round tie and Kavanagh believes an upset is possible against the Premier League’s bottom club.

“The chances of us winning are probably slim but it’s about what we do on the day,” added the former Republic of Ireland international.

“It’s the FA Cup and it throws up all kinds of surprises every year. There’s no reason why we can’t be one of them.

“I think our players will relish the environment and we have a number of Sunderland and Newcastle fans in the dressing room who will be looking forward to it for their own reasons.

“Games like this are a chance to put the club on the map.

“If you go there and get a win then people up and down the length of the country talk about it. All I ask is that people get behind us and support what we’re trying to do.

“If this game is the one which sparks more interest then we will certainly try to put on a performance which makes us all feel very proud.”


I didnt realise Chimbonda played for them?

 

We could do with another cm who has the passing capabilities that Kav had. Keane never played him enough for me. Damn he was a tidy player. Think he'll do well as a Gaffer.

 

I liked the bloke.

Always put a shift in, bollocked anyone who didn't and was always likely to fire one in.

 

£10 a ticket for the Carlisle game. us season ticket holders should get in for free. they will bring 7,000 fans to so it be like a home game for them

 

I can't see it tbh.

 

I think they will. wouldn't surprise me if some geordie's came along with them.

 

Liked Kav, remember being at Leeds away (3-0, Kav scored...) and thinking he was going to be immense for us. Few injuries, standard SAFC.

Good lad, and will be a good game this no walkover.

5-1 the lads.

 

I agree. They bough 10k over the last time they played in the Northeast.

 

Spot on pal. looks like smug will be wrong again then

 

What's the Score in this imaginary competition of yours if you don't mind me asking?

 

I've never been wrong about anything on here and won't be this time.

Anyway, I love a bet so do you fancy having £100 as you seem so incredibly confident?

 

I'd say them bringing 7k is more than realistic.

Remember when we played Hartlepool they brought about 12k, was a bit surreal that day.

 

They were at Roker Park, in the FA Cup, and didn't have a great day out despite bringing a good following.

The cup competitions aren't what they used to be and their away support is very poor these days.

I'd be happy to have a bet with anyone before the end of the week.

 

I'm very confident if Carlisle get 7,000 tickets they will sell them. let's see how many tickets they get.

 

So, if they get 7,000 you want to bet £100 that they'll sell them all, is that the bet?

You claimed they would bring 7,000 but now you're only 'very confident' ..... are you up for a bet or not?

 

If Barrow brought 7,000 fans then I think Carlisle will if they get 7,000 tickets. I bet you £100 Carlisle will sell out 7,000 if they get it.

 

Great.

So, the way this works is that you nominate a bookies of your choice.

You and I place £100 each and the bookie takes his cut. The winner takes the balance.

So, who's your choice of bookie?

 

Haway son, no sign of your bet yet.................

 

"Fans are also advised that due to Carlisle United being eligible for an increased ticket allocation for this fixture in line with competition rules, a small number of season card holders in the North West Upper Corner area of the stadium will be relocated to alternative seats. The club would like to apologise for any inconvenience this may cause."

What's our standard away allocation? 3k? If they're increasing it, they'll probably bring about 5k. Will be a large portion of the crowd, which is sad really

 

Gus, come on son ........... you're making yersel look like a ****.