Home shirt as worn during a troubling period for the side as The Cumbrians seemed to be in free-fall. 1997-98 saw the start of the side's turmoil both on and off the pitch, with Chairman Michael Knighton sacking popular manager Mervyn Day after a run of bad results, remarkably Chairman Knighton took on management duties himself, the move was unsuccessful as the side were relegated from Division Two, finishing 23rd with just 44 points. Knighton then appointed Nigel Pearson for the 1998-99 season. Carlisle once again struggled despite the drop in division, with emergency loan goalkeeper Jimmy Glass scoring on the final day of the season to keep the side in the division. The following season saw The Blues toying with relegation once again, this time under the stewardship of Martin Wilkinson, escaping the drop on goal difference.