Carlisle United have confirmed a fans' forum for the new year - with the club's owners and new sporting director on the panel.

The event will be staged on Tuesday, January 7 at Brunton Park.

Tom and Patty Piatak will be there to answer supporters' questions, while sporting director Rob Clarkson will face fans for the first time.

Also set to be on the panel are head coach Mike Williamson, chief executive Nigel Clibbens and supporters' trust director Matt Spooner.

The club say other directors may also join the panel.

For Clarkson it will be a first opportunity for fans to meet the sporting director who was appointed in October.

The former Manchester City, Rangers and Football Association man is set to give his first interviews to the local media, including the News & Star, today.

The forum will come a week into the January transfer window - a key period in Clarkson's early spell at the Blues.

It will also be Williamson's first appearance at a fans' forum since his September appointment.

(left to right) Nigel Clibbens, Patty Piatak and Matt Spooner will also be on the panel (Image: Richard Parkes / Barbara Abbott)

The event will give fans the opportunity to quiz club bosses about matters on and off the field, including United's efforts to get out of relegation trouble as well as wider developments at the club, including the planned new training ground.

The fans' forum in January will be held in the United Lounge - one of the new facilities in the East Stand - from 6.30pm to 8pm.

Carlisle say capacity is limited to 100 and are urging fans to book their places as soon as possible - this can be done HERE

There will be a cashless bar open and a raffle in aid of Jigsaw Children's Hospice, Carlisle United Community Sports Trust and Carlisle United Supporters' Groups (CUSG).

Supporter liaison officer Simon Clarkson will host the event, which is being organised by 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.

"If you have a question, but can’t attend, please email it to slo@carlisleunited.co.uk  – priority will be given to those who attend but, should the opportunity arise, questions will be posed on your behalf," the club say.

United are also planning to live-stream the forum.