PREVIEW: Carlisle United v Luton Town

As often when a side is relegated, there has been quite a turnaround in players, as boss Graham Kavanagh, who took over in September last year, looks to put his own squad together.

He has added some real quality and experience too, most notably with former Leeds and Swindon striker Billy Paynter, plus ex-Brighton midfielder Gary Dicker.

Just before the start of the new campaign, the Cumbrians added another vastly experienced forward too with Republic of Ireland international striker Stephen Elliott penning a one-year deal.

Elliott, 30, was without a club last season, but played with boss Kavanagh at Sunderland, who he joined for £125k back in 2004, while the forward has nine international caps and one goal to his name.

The three make up just three of the 10 new additions to come into Brunton Park over the summer, as Antony Sweeney is another to join, having made over 400 appearances for Hartlepool, and is still only 30-years of age.

Other notable new faces include Troy Archibald-Henville, Ireland U23 midfielder Danny Kearns, full back Danny Grainger and keeper Dan Hanford.

Naturally, there were exits too, no less than 11 in fact, including James Berrett, Lee Miller, Danny Livesey, Prince Buaben, Liam Noble, Nacho Novo and Pascal Chimbonda.

There have also been changes off the field too as assistant coach Davie Irons left the club, while Tony Caig will continue as first-team coach and goalkeeping specialist alongside Kavanagh, with no immediate replacement confirmed.

Meanwhile, Carlisle supporters won’t be able to wear the new shirts of their team at the Luton game after a production problem.

While the players will be sporting their new attire, Cumbrians’ fans will have to wait to part with their money until later next week.

Team news: With new signing Troy Archibald-Henville suspended, Courtney Meppen-Walter could seize his chance in Carlisle United’s new-look defence.

Winger David Amoo is also having his fitness monitored following an ankle injury.

Luton will be without Jonathan Smith, Shaun Whalley and Andy Parry for the clash, while Alex Lawless is a doubt too. Midfielder Luke Guttridge returns to the squad for the first time since March, although may be amongst the substitutes.

Man in the middle: Nigel Miller - County Durham referee who officiated 21 games from the Championship to League Two last season, showing 38 yellows and three reds in total.

Has been in charge of Luton three times and yet to see Hatters concede a goal. The first was a Championship outing back in the 2005-06 season when Derby were beaten 1-0.

Miller then took 0-0 draw at home to Southend the following season and a goalless draw at Accrington in League Two during the 2008-09 campaign, booking Asa Hall and Tom Craddock.

In charge: Graham Kavanagh - enjoyed a 19-year long playing career, including 16 international caps for the Republic of Ireland.

Started out at Middlesborough, but was sold to Stoke in 1996 for £250,000.

During his five years, he notched the final goal at the Victoria Ground against West Bromwich Albion and then also bagged Stoke’s first goal at the Britannia Stadium, before leaving after almost 250 games in 2001.

Joined Cardiff City in July 2001 for £1 million before a number of big money moves to Wigan Athletic (400k) and Sunderland (500k)

Spells at Sheffield Wednesday followed, before he became player-coach at Carlisle in January 2009.

Appointed assistant boss at Brunton Park in April 2013 and named caretaker boss in September 2013 when manager Greg Abbott was sacked.

Appointed manager on a permanent basis on September 30, signing a two year contract, but failed to save the club from going down.

View from the opposition: Anthony Sweeney, talking to the News & Star: “A lot of players and managers at other clubs will play things down – but if you don’t aim for the top you’re never going to get there.

“I played in this division last season, I’ve looked at the teams in it and if we play how we can, there’s nothing to fear.

“Luton is a good game for us to start with. They are going to be favourites, but I imagine we will also be fancied in many people’s eyes.

“It’s about laying down a marker. If you’re going to be successful, home form will be crucial in that.”

One to watch: Billy Paynter - vastly experienced 30-year-old front man who started life at Port Vale in 2000, before moving to Hull, Southend and then Bradford.

It was at Swindon where he enjoyed some of his best times though, scoring 29 goals in the 2009-10 season in partnership with Charlie Austin.

Earmed big moves to Leeds and Brighton on loan, before spending time and Doncaster and Sheffield United last term, but managed only one goal.

On signing a two year deal at Carlisle, boss Kavanagh said of his new striker: “Billy’s another with experience and he’ll add some real quality.”

We’ve got form: Hatters have a more then respectable record at Brunton Park over the years, winning three, drawing four and losing four of their 11 meetings.

Goals have been on scare display though, with Hatters scoring 10 and conceding 11, with three scored only once, a 2-1 Town win back in 1974-75 with John Aston and Ron Futcher on target, while they did go four games without scoring in the 1970s

Luton’s recent return is good too, as despite losing last time out, Town were unbeaten on their previous five visits, winning three and drawing two.

The biggest win for Town was 2-0 during the 2001-02 season with goals from Paul Hughes and Carl Griffiths.

Last time out: Luton went down to a 2-1 defeat on their last visit to Carlisle United in the League One during the 2007-08 campaign.

The hosts led 2-0 after half an hour courtesy of Danny Livesey (22) and Peter Murphy (29).

Hatters pulled one back through David Bell on 51 minutes, but they couldn’t find a leveller.

Hatters: Dean Brill, Richard Jackson, Lewis Emanuel, Sol Davis, Chris Perry, Keith Keane, Matt Spring, David Bell, Paul Furlong (Sam Parkin 79), Paul McVeigh, Ryan Charles (Drew Talbot 71).

Subs not used: George Beavan, Don Hutchison, Darren Currie.