Carlisle returned to League One after edging past Stockport on penalties in a battle of endurance to clinch their first promotion for 17 years. Paul Simpson was in charge back in 2006 when they won League Two and his homecoming return has been a monumental triumph after guiding them to victory in the playoff final.
Simpson, who helped Carlisle avoid relegation after returning for his second spell in February 2022, finally tasted success at Wembley after five defeats at the stadium. “I knew if we ever got there again my turn would come,” Simpson said. “The players have been absolutely magnificent. We wanted to make it a good season but I’m not sure many people gave us a chance.”
