FORMER Town hero Chris Billy hopes to have a championship medal in his pocket by tonight.
The 33-year-old Carlisle midfielder has enjoyed play-off promotions with his current club, Plymouth and, of course, Town.
But if Carlisle produce a better result at Brunton Park against Torquay than Northampton manage at home to Chester, Huddersfield-born Billy will celebrate a first title success of his career in League II.
"Getting promotion is what you play the game for and the whole season has been brilliant," said Billy.
"To have won promotion and to have played in the Football League Trophy final (formerly LDV) in the same season makes this the best I've ever had.
"To go up as champions would now be the icing on the cake and our fans have been a major part of what we've achieved, so to do it in front of them would be a real highlight."
Should Carlisle fail to land the title today, they could do it at Rochdale on Tuesday or in their final game at Stockport a week today.
"Having come up from the Conference we didn't expect this, to be fair, but the atmosphere has been great all season and we've just kept on going," said Billy, who still has a year on his contract.
"To move up to the next level is great. As a squad, I'm sure we will be able to hold our own and I'm sure the gaffer will bring in a few players to add to what we've already got.
"When we came up last year we were looking to consolidate and then progress every year. But this has happened so quickly and maybe the same can happen again next year.
"I've really enjoyed myself and the whole season has been a `feel-good' thing. I'm playing in midfield and can just about still get around, but we've got a good set of lads and, after successive promotions, we'll see what happens."
Carlisle are captained by another former Town favourite, Kevin Gray.
