As Newport County prepare to host Carlisle United at Rodney Parade, we take a closer look at Saturday's opposition.
What’s their story?
Founded in 1904, Carlisle United entered competitive football through the Lancashire Combination in 1905, quickly finding success by winning the Division Two title in 1906–07. Progressing to the North Eastern League in 1910, the club continued to impress, securing the league title in 1921–22, which eventually led to their election into the Football League in 1928.
The club spent three decades in the Third Division North before transitioning to the newly established Fourth Division. Promotion was achieved in 1961–62, but they were relegated the following year. Carlisle bounced back emphatically, earning consecutive promotions and finishing as champions of the Third Division in 1964–65 under Alan Ashman. This marked the start of an ambitious climb, culminating in promotion to the Second Division in 1973–74.
Carlisle's historic rise to the First Division followed soon after, though their stay lasted just one season. Relegations followed in subsequent years, with the club returning to the Third Division in 1977. A resurgence under Bob Stokoe in 1981–82 brought promotion back to the Second Division, but successive relegations by 1987 placed Carlisle in the fourth tier.
The 1990s saw the club oscillate between the third and fourth divisions, but a major blow came in 2003–04 when they dropped out of the Football League after 76 years. Under player-manager Paul Simpson, Carlisle achieved an immediate return, winning the 2005 Conference National play-off final and building on this with the League Two title in 2005–06.
A nine-year stay in League One ended in relegation in 2013–14, but Carlisle returned to the third tier in 2023 after a dramatic play-off final victory against Stockport County. However, they faced relegation back to League Two the following season
Who’s the boss?
Mike Williamson is the current head coach of Carlisle United, tasked with guiding the club toward stability and success.
Williamson began his career at Torquay United before moving to Southampton in 2001. After limited opportunities at Southampton, he had loan spells at Torquay, Doncaster Rovers, and Wycombe Wanderers, where he found his footing.
He went on to make 144 appearances for Wycombe, scoring 11 goals, before moving to Newcastle United in 2010. There, he played 171 times, becoming a key figure in their Premier League campaigns.
After brief stints at Watford, Portsmouth, and Wolverhampton Wanderers, where injuries hindered his progress, Williamson played for Oxford United before transitioning to Gateshead. As player-manager, he led Gateshead to the National League North title in 2022, earning Manager of the Season honours.
In 2023, Williamson took charge of Milton Keynes Dons, guiding them to a fourth-place finish in League Two before their play-off bid ended in defeat. He was appointed head coach of Carlisle United ahead of the current season, with the goal of stabilising the club and avoiding back-to-back relegations.
Who’s the captain?
Sam Lavelle, an experienced and commanding defender, proudly serves as the captain of Carlisle United. Known for his leadership qualities and solid defensive abilities, Lavelle has become a key figure for the Blues.
Lavelle began his footballing journey in the youth system at Blackburn Rovers but was unable to break into the first team. Seeking opportunities elsewhere, he signed for Bolton Wanderers, though first-team chances remained elusive. In 2017, Lavelle made a pivotal career move to Morecambe, a decision that would shape his career trajectory.
During his time with Morecambe, Lavelle etched his name into the club's history. On 31 May 2021, he captained the Shrimps to a League Two play-off final victory, securing promotion to League One for the first time in the club's history. This achievement solidified Lavelle’s legacy as one of Morecambe's all-time greats in the eyes of the supporters.
At the start of the 2021-22 season, Lavelle joined Charlton Athletic, where he made 41 appearances over two seasons. In January 2023, he moved on loan to Burton Albion, but his spell was cut short by a shoulder injury.
Lavelle’s next chapter began with Carlisle United, where he has since become a cornerstone of the squad. To date, he has made 68 appearances for the Blues, demonstrating his commitment and influence both on and off the pitch.
Key player
Dominic Sadi, currently on loan at Carlisle United, has quickly established himself as a vital player for the Blues. Joint top scorer this season with two goals and an assist to his name, Sadi’s contributions have been pivotal to the team’s attacking efforts.
A graduate of the West Ham United youth academy, Sadi began to make his mark during a loan spell with Wingate & Finchley in the Isthmian League Premier Division. In just six appearances across all competitions, he netted two goals, including a debut strike in a 3-0 FA Cup victory over Baldock Town in September 2021.
In May 2022, Sadi’s potential was recognised by AFC Bournemouth, who secured his signature. He made his professional debut for the Cherries on 23 August 2022 in a dramatic League Cup second-round match against Norwich City. Sadi made an immediate impact, assisting Brooklyn Genesini’s 92nd-minute equaliser in a game that ended 2-2 before Bournemouth triumphed on penalties.
Now at Carlisle United, Sadi continues to develop his game while making meaningful contributions on the pitch, showcasing his talent and determination to succeed at the professional level.
