A sell-out reunion of Carlisle United’s 1994/5 promotion and Wembley heroes is off – for now.

The coronavirus pandemic has put paid to plans for some of the stars of that memorable season to gather in Carlisle next month.

But it is hoped the 25th anniversary event can be rearranged in the autumn.

A host of hugely popular former players were set to return to the city for an evening in the Shepherds Inn attended by more than 300 people.

Stars like David Reeves, Dean Walling, Derek Mountfield, Rod Thomas and Darren Edmondson were poised to join up to relive their memories of a campaign which saw United win the Division Three title and reach the Twin Towers for the first time in the club’s history in the Auto-Windscreens Shield.

Former boss Mick Wadsworth was also in line to attend, with an auction planned to raise money for Eden Valley Hospice in memory of Tony Hopper.

The reunion was due to be staged on Saturday, April 25, with ex-players also due to be presented to the crowd at United’s home game against Stevenage that day which has since been suspended.

Organiser Colin Carter said it was sad to have to postpone the event after months of planning, but the aim is to find a suitable date when the former United favourites can return.

Carter said: “We have had to postpone it which was inevitable in the current climate.

“We will possibly be looking at September or October if we can get a suitable Saturday, otherwise it would be a Friday or a Sunday.

“There are dates available but it will depend on being able to get everybody together.

“Logistically it was great to tie it in with the last game of the season, but now it will be more challenging.

“But we will do our best to get it back on in a way that works for everybody.

“All the old players and coaches were really excited about coming and the number of people ringing me told me that fans were really excited about seeing them too.”

The event was entitled ‘A trip down Wembley Way in a deckchair’ – a reference to the iconic green, red and white away strip the Cumbrians wore that season.

It was due to be hosted by former BBC Radio Cumbria commentator Nick Barnes.

Carter added: “Some of those guys had played at much higher levels, or went on to do so, but they always refer to Carlisle as a big part and a highlight of their careers.

“We had pulled a lot of footage together of that season and it was all coming together really well.

“All the ex-players were bringing some memorabilia to auction in memory of Tony – that’s part of it that every single one of them was really keen to support.

“The Shepherds Inn have been brilliant, and the club were going to have the lads on the pitch, which was great.” Carter said anyone who has paid for a ticket should contact him on 07737265831 if they require a refund, but he said he would keep everyone’s name on file in anticipation of a rearranged event.