The 1980-81 campaign started disastrously for manager Martin Harvey and he resigned early on, following a heavy 4-1 defeat at Plymouth Argyle.

Just one point was taken from the opening five games and the Blues sank to the foot of the Third Division. However, the decision to appoint Bob Stokoe for his second spell in charge seemed to revitalise Brunton Park.

His early signing of £100,000 defender Paul Haigh from Hull City, coupled with an improvement in results meant that Carlisle swung into 1981 with a lot more confidence. None more so than 20-year-old wonder boy Peter Beardsley who was attracting interest from a host of top clubs following a string of impressive performances.

United's new found confidence was tested in the FA Cup, where they battled past Workington Reds, Walsall and Mansfield Town to face Second Division Bristol City. Despite taking the lead in the first match at Brunton Park through Mike Coady, Bristol eventually destroyed United in the replay, running out 5-0 winners.

Beardsley was joined in March by veteran goalscorer Bryan 'Pop' Robson, who was picked up by his old manager Stokoe from Sunderland. Robson further galvanised interest in the club and he managed to score on his debut at home to Walsall. Within weeks the club had sold Beardsley to Vancouver Whitecaps of the North American Soccer League for a club record £275,000. However, in a complex deal, Beardsley was loaned back to United for the winter and so was able to play for both clubs!

A Gordon Staniforth hat-trick at Burnley in April was for many fans the highlight of the season. A late slump meant that Carlisle finished 19th, but safe from relegation.