arlisle City are looking to expand their pre-season programme of friendlies as they look to make more progress in the Northern League
But seemingly neighbours Carlisle United won’t be offering themselves as potential opponents, which disappoints City.
The clubs have not played a pre-season game in more than six years, yet have fitted in regular friendlies with other senior clubs in the county.
It’s not that City are considered too unferior as they have met twice in the last six years in the County Cup and have given United a tough game – the most recent going to penalties.
Other county clubs can make some useful money by hosting the county’s only Football League club and it’s something City feel disappointed they don’t get the chance to do the same.
Meanwhile manager Jim Nicholls has not added to his squad yet for the 2024/25 season but says he has spread the net wide in his search for new acquisitions.
“We have two specific targets we would like and maybe a couple of others as well, but I do know that other clubs are looking at our players. I believe that I have lost one of them to Gretna but we will see what transpires,” added Nichols.
Gretna, who play in Scotland’s Lowland League, finished next to bottom last season and have just appointed goalkeeper Vinnie Parker as their new manager.
Parker wants to recruit the “best available talent in the area” and is believed to have targeted players who spent last season with Annan, Carlisle City, Penrith and Workington.
