Are Carlisle Financially Doomed In The Non-League - Or Can They Rebuild?

When Carlisle were relegated from League One at the end of last season, there was very little expectation around the club that they would immediately get promoted again. That being, there was hope that they could mount a playoff push at the very least. One year later, they finished the season in the relegation zone once again and will be playing Non-League football in the next campaign. Will they manage to make an immediate return, or will the relegation condemn them to financial hardship.

Transfer Strategy

It is clear from their transfer strategy at the beginning of the season and then again at the midpoint, that they weren’t expecting to be relegated, or even be in a relegation fight this season. Despite bringing in nine players in the summer transfer window, only one was for a fee, their frugality being evidence of their expected safety. They made a number of loan signings as well, however all of the summer ones returned to their parent clubs in January. Their aim was to spend low this season so that they could make a financial investment into the club’s future.

🤝 Carlisle United Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Dominic Sadi on a season-long loan from Bournemouth.

Read more. ⤵️

— Carlisle United FC (@officialcufc) August 21, 2024

However, when it became evident that they club was slipping out of the Football League, their strategy changed in January. They made seven transfers that month, with five of them demanding a fee. They also signed a further four players on loan, with Manchester United striker Joe Hugill joining until the end of the season. These two windows contrasted each other, as Carlisle made a desperate attempt to stay up. They were unsuccessful in that endeavour, and now their finances will take a hit from their relegation. This could mean that financial trouble is just around the corner.

What Does History Say?

Recent history of relegated teams is not in Carlisle’s favour. The two teams that left League Two last season have struggled in the National League this campaign, with Sutton United finishing mid-table and Forest Green Rovers failing in the playoffs. The problem with the National League is that just one team earns automatic promotion, and the competition is so competitive. This year Barnet have stormed the league and the playoff final will be between Oldham and Southend.

Both Oldham and Southend have been in the National League for a few years, having fallen dramatically over a short period of time. One of them will win promotion back to the Football League next weekend, but the other will have to suffer at least another stressful season in the fifth tier. Meanwhile Barnet haven’t been in League Two since 2018. Teams such as Yeovil Town, Rochdale, Scunthorpe and Torquay are currently in the lower divisions of England, having once been regulars in Leagues One and Two.

When Were Carlisle Last In The Non-League

Carlisle have had a mixed history, spending most of it in the Football League, with even a few seasons as high up as the second tier. Around the turn of the century, Carlisle were in a difficult period, avoiding relegation by the skin of their teeth season after season. Eventually in 2003/04 they were relegated along with York City, having won just 12 of their 46 games. However it was not all doom and gloom for the club, as they earnt promotion straight away the following season. This time around, while they could do the same again, the National League is much more competitive now than it was back then.

Ownership

Carlisle was bought in 2023 by a new American sports group called Castle Sports Group. Run by the Piatak family, Castle Sports Group has previous experience in American sports such as the NFL and the NBA, but had yet to break into the European sporting market. There was huge optimism around the club prior to their takeover, however that optimism quickly gave way to two depressing seasons.

As we reflect on one year of ownership, we want to say THANK YOU to everyone who has support us and most importantly backed the blues. This is only the beginning. The future for Carlisle United Football Club is incredibly bright. #UTB #cufchttps://t.co/gyh2GIe88m

— CastleSportsGroup (@CastleSportsGrp) November 22, 2024

The ownership will need to flex some serious financial muscle in the next few years if they want to push back up the Football League. The Piatak family have appeared to show a commitment to the club despite poor performances on the pitch, and there hasn’t been too much discontent from the fans, as many still remember the ownership of Michael Knighton and believe that nothing could be much worse than that.

While I don’t think that Carlisle are in too much trouble financially, there will be some serious concern should they not get promoted within one or two seasons. Promotion will be difficult and may take some time and investment, however with the ownership that they do have, I think it is entirely possible.