Last updated 10:54, Saturday, 28 June 2008

Question: what do you consider to be the standard at which Carlisle United should be playing?

The Premiership? A solitary season in Division 1 in 1974-75.

The Championship? Not competed at that level since 1985-86.

League One? Currently established in the upper echelons.

League Two? Where we've spent most of our time in the last couple of decades.

The Conference? Where the meteoric revival began.

Like you, I love Carlisle United and want to see them as high up the ladder of English football as possible.

I’m sorry to say I had only just been born when they reached the holy grail of the top flight so I missed out on those unforgettable days.

I can still recall vividly our proud four-year stay in the old second division in the mid-80s when wily Bob Stokoe performed miracles on a shoestring and we used to beat the likes of Blackburn, Chelsea, Middlesbrough and Newcastle.

Can we get back to the second tier?

Unquestionably a pleasant bloke respected by his fellow professionals, John Ward is assigned with that task.

When he was appointed as Neil McDonald’s permanent successor, I was delighted.

My belief that he will take us to where we all want to go has wavered a little in recent months following the alarming capitulation when we were on the brink of promotion.

Nevertheless, he retains the support of the overwhelming majority of the Brunton Park faithful.

After all, he guided us to our highest league position since the Stokoe era and presided over a record-breaking home record - 14 wins on the bounce was a phenomenal achievement.

His wheeling and dealing in the transfer market this summer and the first dozen games or so of next season will determine whether he still maintains the backing of most. I hope that he gets longer than his predecessor and restores the faith of his doubters. The signing of Josh Gowling is a promising start.

Ultimately, JW can only work with the tools with which he is equipped, in terms of playing staff and budget.

I was disappointed with the fee we received for the brilliant Keiren Westwood.

Additional clauses are no guarantee of obtaining extra funds. Just look at what Shrewsbury got for Joe Hart two years ago. Why did we need to sell him in the middle of June anyway?

To progress, you need to keep your best players.

Maybe it’s just me, but I want to see us following the example of Hull and Bristol City and reaching for the stars, albeit prudently.

I long for the day when we are back in the top flight again, let alone the next level.

Will it happen in my lifetime?

I'm not knocking the fantastic efforts and performance of the current regime, but I have serious doubts, unless an incredibly rich sugar daddy who is a genuine supporter rides into town.

Perhaps the next owner might just be that man?

CHRIS AYRES