Carlisle United must retain talent that once convinced Arsenal & Norwich City.

Carlisle United is in the midst of a critical week as they prepare for their first season back in the National League.

The Blues have already addressed one issue by appointing Marc Tierney as their new Head of Football Operations, a reshaping of the sporting director role previously held by Rob Clarkson, but the more pressing issues concern the squad and the manager, whose future is still unknown, though a decision on Mark Hughes’ future is expected “in the coming days,” according to club chairman Tom Piatak.

 

Carlisle’s roster has consistently let the club down over the last two seasons. All four transfer windows at that time have been subpar, and many fans would not be surprised if a significant reduction in the playing roster occurred. The signing of Matthew Dennis in February, Hughes’ first transfer, was arguably the most pleasantly surprise decision made by the Blues since their promotion. His six goals in 14 appearances led the club’s scoring charts this season, and while they weren’t enough to stave Carlisle from relegation, his impact on the pitch was evident once he got into form. He could have a real impact on their promotion hopes for next season, both if he is or isn’t there. Carlisle will surely feel like they have lost a potential gem if he is to leave this summer.

Ex-Arsenal and Norwich talent’s surprising hot-streak with Carlisle United

Dennis, 23, signed a short-term contract when he joined to Brunton Park. The former Arsenal and Norwich City academy member was formerly contracted to MK Dons but was loaned out to Rochdale in the National League for the first half of the 2024/25 season. Four appearances, 110 total minutes, and no goals did little to suggest he was ready to play in the fifth tier. It was surprising to see him recruited as a free agent by the then-League Two club not long after the winter transfer window closed, but there’s little doubt that he proved many of his sceptics wrong.

In his fourth appearance for the club, he scored his first and arguably most important goal, a 1-0 away triumph over rivals Barrow. A clean finish past Paul Farman in the first half demonstrated the talent that the Gunners and Canaries recognised in the teenager when he was on their books, and he continued to chip away with excellent performances and goal contributions. He scored five additional goals and added one assist in the final dozen games of the season, bringing his total to one goal or assist every two games.

Carlisle have to hold onto Matthew Dennis to boost their National League promotion hopes

It is the first time in men’s football that he has found his scoring boots. Carlisle now understands that they have a clear talent on their hands, but one that they may struggle to retain given their league level and his success in the fourth tier. Clubs from United’s former level will undoubtedly pursue Dennis this summer, but if the Blues can persuade him to stay at Brunton Park for at least another season, they could already have a very powerful attack for the 2025/26 season. Dennis and Georgie Kelly built a great bond in the final half-dozen games of the season, when the Irishman also hit form, scoring five goals and providing an assist.

The pair have a pedigree that is far above the fifth tier, and with Charlie Wyke as an experienced alternative to add to that, the Blues could be onto something big at the top end of the pitch. Carlisle doesn’t have to worry about Kelly and Wyke’s contracts; they’re both signed until the summers of 2027 and 2026, respectively. Keeping Dennis on board to complete the trifecta will be the most difficult aspect, but everything we’ve seen of him in a blue shirt says that he’ll be worth the money they can offer him.

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