by Amanda Little

Last updated at 16:00, Tuesday, 05 March 2013

Carlisle Rugby Club chiefs today revealed they are open to the possibility of a ground share with Carlisle United.

Carlisle's director of rugby Martin Plummer

United are considering a dramatic U-turn on their new stadium plans and remaining at Brunton Park instead of building a new ground at Kingmoor Park.

One option is that they could revamp Brunton Park and share the ground with another party.

Carlisle Rugby Club have not been approached by their Warwick Road neighbours, but officials say they would not reject any approaches from the football club about discussing a joint venture.

Director of rugby Martin Plummer told News & Star Sport: “While we haven’t been approached, we would be happy to sit down and discuss any plans.

“If there was a revamp of Brunton Park and they were talking about a joint venture, we would be more than happy if they approached us to hear what they have to say. If they said they had plans and we could be involved, we certainly wouldn’t reject it out of hand. For the purpose of sustaining rugby at Carlisle and progressing, we would always like to enhance the facilities we’ve got.

“If we were approached and the football side had innovative ideas on how we might be involved in a new set-up, we would be happy to listen to what they have to say and see if it is of benefit to them and us.”

Carlisle United managing director John Nixon insists the new stadium scheme, named Project Blue Yonder, is still very much alive.

The Blues have previously said that a full revamp of Brunton Park would cost between £18m and £20m.

Nixon said any plan to remain at their current ground would have to be “imaginative”, such as sharing it with someone else.

Carlisle are without targetman Lee Miller for tonight’s game at Crawley Town. Youngster Mark Beck and veteran Danny Cadamarteri are both vying to replace the Scot.

Crawley boss Richie Barker is warning his players not to underestimate Carlisle.

Barker said: “Carlisle have got a 350-mile trip home and I don’t imagine they will want to get on the bus with nothing to show for their efforts. They aren’t in great form at the moment but from all accounts they should have got something out of the game at Notts County so it is going to be another extremely tough 90 minutes.”

First published at 15:57, Tuesday, 05 March 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk