Carlisle United chiefs set to face fans tonight amid crisis on pitch
Carlisle United’s owners, directors, head coach and sporting director will face fans tonight amid the Blues’ crisis at the bottom of League Two.
A fans’ forum is being held at Brunton Park at a time of growing concern over United’s plight on the pitch.
It will be a first forum attended by under-pressure head coach Mike Williamson, who faced calls for his head from travelling fans at Tranmere Rovers on Saturday.
Sporting director Rob Clarkson will also meet supporters for the first time amid the Cumbrians’ work in the January transfer window.
Also on the panel to answer questions from fans will be owner Tom Piatak.
They will be joined by chief executive Nigel Clibbens and Carlisle United Supporters’ Trust director Matt Spooner.
**Update** And in a change to the originally announced line-up, United confirmed on Tuesday that first-team coach Ian Watson would also be on the panel, replacing co-owner Patty Piatak.
Chief executive Nigel Clibbens, centre, will also be on the panel (Image: Ben Holmes)
The event, in the United Lounge – one of the new facilities in the revamped East Stand – is likely to see Carlisle’s woes on the pitch dominate the agenda.
The Piataks’ approach to the Blues’ struggles and the mood of supporters will be expected to take centre stage.
The forum comes at a time United sit six points adrift of safety at the bottom of League Two and facing a 22-game battle to save their EFL status.
Club chiefs will be expected to articulate the plan to lift the Blues away from trouble and to respond to some of the growing criticism of their woeful position and form.
Further transfer efforts, following the recent arrivals of Will Patching, Elliot Embleton, Callum Whelan and Cedwyn Scott, are likely to be scrutinised, while off-field matters such as the progress of a new training facility at the Sheepmount could also come up.
Rob Clarkson will be among those answering fans' questions (Image: Richard Parkes)
Williamson has said there needs to be considerable “soul-searching” among coaches and players in light of Carlisle’s worsening plight.
Asked what that would mean in practice, he said: “Just honesty. Conversations.
“It has to be married up with bringing in help, because that's where we're at.
“And just an honest reflection on how is everyone doing everything they possibly can to help this football club.”
Ahead of the forum, Williamson admitted that actions will have to speak louder than words.
“The only way of turning things around is winning on the football pitch,” he said.
“So, speaking is not enough, but we can only do what we can do.”
The forum is a sell-out event with capacity at 100. Organised by Carlisle United Supporters’ Groups (CUSG), there will be a raffle in aid of Jigsaw Children's Hospice, Carlisle United Community Sports Trust and CUSG.
United are also welcoming questions from fans who are unable to attend, but say anonymous questions from those not at the event in person will not be considered. Email slo@carlisleunited.co.uk.
The forum gets under way at 6.30pm. The News & Star will be reporting live from the event.
