One chapter in the history of the club has now come to a close and the next will soon start.
The ownership and control of Carlisle United has changed for the first time since 2008.
In 2008, Fred Story passed control to current Chairman and largest shareholder Andrew Jenkins along with John Nixon and Steven Pattison (and David Allen before he left in 2009), who have sat alongside CUOSC as owners ever since. Following a debt restructuring, long serving director, Lord Clark of Windermere (David) then became a non-voting shareholder.
After 15 years in charge, it is now time for them all to hand over to the Piatak family from Jacksonville, Florida, USA.
Andrew, John, Steven and David all wish to express their thanks to everyone for their support and wish everyone all the best for the future.
They said: “As we sign over our shares to new owners, we want to say a big thank you to all the fans, supporters and businesses who have backed and rallied behind the club and the board during the last 15 years.
“Like all football clubs it’s been a ride of many ups and downs both on-the-field and in the administration of the club. The support we been given in that time has been much appreciated.
“The early days were fraught with a legacy of little or no cash. Two trips to Wembley for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final were hugely memorable, but they came along with a relegation from League One to League Two.
"After the flooding of 2005, the reoccurrence in 2015 was a particularly challenging time but from that adversity came some new beginnings. Attempts at takeovers followed (they always fell at the final hurdle due to lack of visible funds).
"More highs and lows on the field led to a play-off run in 2017. Last season saw a return to Wembley, a play-off final win and promotion back to League One.
“And now we hand over to new owners, the Piatak family from Jacksonville, Florida.
“We are very pleased they will take up the reins of the club as they’ve shown ambition, drive and focus to take Carlisle United to the next level. Not only that, they’ve been involved with the new EFL acquisition process since May which is a stringent set of requirements to ensure future ownership of clubs in the EFL are more protected from financial risk.
“We wish the Piatak family well and wish them good luck for the future. It’s been a pleasure working with them in the last 6 months and we are all confident the club is going into good hands.
“Finally, again, thank you all for the support over the last 15 years - we really have appreciated it.”
Andrew, Steven, John and David.
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Chief Executive Nigel Clibbens paid tribute to the departing owners: “They have all worked tirelessly for Carlisle United and remain very passionate and life-long United fans. Much of what they have done has been behind the scenes, without seeking plaudits. They have preferred to stay in the background and just get on with the job.
“Being responsible for a club is never easy. It needs passion, determination, commitment and real resilience to keep going. They have demonstrated all of those qualities over a long period. In tough times, which inevitably come along from time to time, they have done whatever they could to keep the club pushing forward and help and support the club and all its staff.
“Andrew is unique in having his entire life so closely connected with the club and words can’t do justice to what he has given over a lifetime.
“Steven has always worked behind scenes in his own way, seeking nothing in return and always putting the club interest before his own.
“In my seven years here, John has been nothing but supportive to the staff and myself and is 100% Carlisle United through and through.
“David has always provided astute advice and brought an independent perspective to the club.
“They have always been upfront about the challenges of ownership, especially financially, and achieving progress. This has been upmost in their minds as they look to secure the future of the club.
“Part of the responsibility of ownership is making sure a club is left in safe hands. As the club is about to move into a new chapter, they have done all they can to ensure that too.
“From all at the club we wish them well! Thank you."