Blackburn Rovers have agreed to host Carlisle United’s home fixture against Plymouth on 2 January after Brunton Park was left under water. The League Two club’s ground is located close to two rivers, the Petteril and the Eden, and was flooded during Storm Desmond.
“Everyone at Ewood Park has been absolutely fantastic,” said the club secretary, Sarah McKnight. “They recognise that we’re going through a tough time and they’ve been very quick to help.”
The chief executive of the Football League, Shaun Harvey, said: “With flood recovery work continuing at Brunton Park, we’d like to thank Blackburn Rovers for offering the use of Ewood Park to ensure that Carlisle United can fulfil their first fixture of the new year against Plymouth Argyle. The Football League Board has ratified the venue change and we’ll continue to liaise with all three clubs, offering any assistance required.”
Preston have already agreed to host Carlisle’s match against Notts County on 19 December, which leaves only the home game against Hartlepool on 28 December presently without a venue while repairs are made to the ground.
“At times like this, it is important that members of the football family stick together,” said Blackburn Rovers’ managing director, Derek Shaw. “So we were only too happy to help out. The damage sustained at Brunton Park must be truly devastating and our deepest sympathies go out to everyone connected to the club and to all those affected by the floods in the Carlisle community.”
