Carlisle United are surely under no illusion about the size of the task ahead of them to earn promotion back to the EFL from the National League, especially after last campaign that proved a baptism of fire for the Cumbrians. The bar has been set incredibly high in recent seasons, with three of the last four fifth-tier champions amassing over a century of points. Last term, in particular, materialised as the strongest of the lot, featuring a pair of centurions in the shape of York City and Rochdale who tore out in front, a battle that reached a historic last-day crescendo at the Crown Oil Arena.
The 95-point haul Carlisle United amassed under Mark Hughes in the 2025/26 season would have given them a near-certain title at the fifth-tier level as recently as five years ago. However, a plethora of outstanding teams to have graced the National League in recent years, including Wrexham, Barnet, and last season’s extraordinary heavyweight race, has since increased the benchmark tenfold for earning automatic promotion to League Two. The win ratio that the Welsh boss managed last term may not have been enough to keep pace with the relentless duo above them, but it did more than steady the sinking Carlisle ship following two consecutive relegations.
A hectic preseason thus far underscores just how seriously the Carlisle hierarchy is approaching the upcoming season, giving an insight into the club’s determination to be the next unstoppable juggernaut to take on the National League. The summer has already delivered a significant change in head coach, with the impressive young boss Rob Elliot arriving at Brunton Park after performing miracles at nearby Gateshead earlier this year.
Even in the very formative phase of his tenure, the 40-year-old has already made waves by securing some remarkably shrewd and ambitious new signings, laying the groundwork for what promises to be an exciting year at Brunton Park.
Carlisle United Capture Forest Green Favourite
The announcement that Harvey Bunker will join the club upon his contract’s expiration at Forest Green Rovers at the end of June, subject to FA ratification, has been met with widespread delight by the Carlisle faithful.
At just 22, Bunker is seen as the ideal acquisition for a club with promotion aspirations, bringing a wealth of experience from his time at Nailsworth, where he navigated both consecutive promotions and subsequent relegations at the New Lawn. Having developed through the ranks in Gloucestershire, the midfielder now makes his inaugural permanent move to Brunton Park, a seemingly perfect fit given the club’s recent, identical drop from League One to The National League, a fate he endured at Forest Green.
The switch offers him a fresh challenge while leveraging his shared experience and undoubted fire in the belly to return to the EFL. Bunker, who featured over 150 times for Rovers, quickly became a firm fan favourite thanks to his mature displays as a central defensive midfielder and his relentless work rate across the pitch.
It was particularly perplexing then that he seemed to fall out of favour with Robbie Savage as last season progressed, relegating him to substitute appearances towards the end of his New Lawn tenure. Carlisle, however, stands to benefit greatly from this, gaining a versatile player with a clear point to prove and a proven pedigree to uphold.
Splashing The Cash On Former Arsenal Youth
Since the Piatek family’s takeover of Carlisle, the Americans have consistently demonstrated a willingness to pay substantial transfer fees for the right players, a trend that has clearly continued this month. In a clear move to back Rob Elliot, their other significant early acquisition saw them secure highly-rated winger Miguel Azeez, a product of the Arsenal academy, from Morecambe for an undisclosed fee.
Azeez is precisely the kind of player who leaves no stone unturned for a manager, thanks to his remarkable versatility and the extensive scope he offers to operate in various roles across the midfield. His extensive range is largely due to his upbringing in North London with the Gunners, complemented by formative spells in Greece and Spain, all of which have contributed to a wealth of experience at the tender age of 23.
The former England-U20 international shone as a solitary bright spot in an otherwise bleak season for the Shrimps, who ultimately faced relegation to the National League North. He registered five goals and two assists in 40 league appearances, numbers he’ll undoubtedly aim to elevate given the platform awaiting him at Brunton Park.
Has Carlisle United Become The Team To Beat?
It could be argued that Carlisle’s operational landscape appears more manageable this season, especially with the introduction of Harrogate Town and Cumbrian rivals Barrow, who arrive as relatively unknown quantities after their time away from non-league. Plus, Rochdale holding their nerve in the play-off final might have actually removed a significant threat from the equation as they join York City in League Two.
The marquee signing of National League aficionado Regan Linney last summer undoubtedly bolstered their squad, though they likely hadn’t anticipated contending with two of the most formidable teams the league has ever witnessed. While high-profile attacking signings don’t always guarantee the top prize, the arrival of Bunker and Azeez suggests the Cumbrians are determined to cover all bases. This move also offers an early indication of Carlisle’s significant sway and their appeal to players seeking a new challenge, a factor to consider as the summer progresses.
While beaten play-off finalists and Carlisle’s conquerors, Boreham Wood, will undoubtedly be looking to contend again, the early signs appear promising for Rob Elliot. The squad he’s inherited has largely stayed together, allowing the current transfer strategy to focus on improvements and fine-tuning rather than a frantic search for replacements.
As National League fans eagerly await a new season, brimming with ambitious clubs ready to challenge, it’s Carlisle United who have truly set their stall out, securing some exceptionally early coups in their recruitment efforts.
