Life back in the Second Division proved distinctly unpalatable for Carlisle United and they parted company with the architect of their triumphs, Alan Ashman, early in a very disappointing season.

Failing to win in their opening five games proved to be a worrying indicator of the troubles ahead for a club that had to come to terms with an all-too-brief flirtation with football's finest. Trainer Dick Young, a loyal servant of the club since the 1950s, was appointed team manager in October to replace Ashman and his main task was to steady a wobbly ship.

The signing of goalkeeper Martin Burleigh to replace veteran Allan Ross in goal turned into a poisoned chalice as the well-built keeper suffered a series of setbacks in his early performances. Ross came back for the home game with Oldham in November and just one defeat was suffered in the next ten games and only six goals conceded.

December saw the return of former favourite George McVitie, who was to prove just as effective in his second spell at the club as he had in his first. Midfield schemer Phil Bonnyman also arrived from Hamilton Academicals as squad re-building began in earnest.

Attendances were still impressive, with over 32,000 packing into Brunton Park for two games in February against Bolton Wanderers and Sunderland. United managed to finish nineteenth in the table, just one place above relegation. Ray Train left to join Sunderland on transfer deadline day and at the end of the season skipper Bill Green was sold to First Division West Ham United.