Carlisle fans back boycott

Fans are increasingly annoyed about the club's fortunes

Carlisle United supporters have voted by a margin of three to one to boycott their own club.

The fans, who are frustrated after a run of poor seasons, organised a postal ballot.

They now have ambitions to run the club themselves.

Last week four senior players were told their contracts were being terminated because of financial problems at Brunton Park.

Celebrating staying up last year

Alan Steel, secretary of the Carlisle and Cumbria United Independent Supporters' Trust told BBC News Online: "Because of the results over the last three years suggestions were made about how we could most effectively protest.

"Our objective is to change the current situation, and the only way we can do that is to acquire a shareholding at the club and have representation on the board of directors."

Of the 620 fans who received voting forms, more than 400 replied.

Three-quarters said they would be prepared to find something else to do on a Saturday.

'War-chest assembled

More than 90% of respondents said they were prepared to refuse to buy merchandise.

Mr Steel said: "We now have to meet to decide how to take this forward.

"We are putting a war-chest together on a weekly basis to acquire shares. It has reached about £130,000.

"If we can get £3 a week for two seasons, we might reach a million pounds," he added.

The fans estimate the average gate at the club last season was 3,000, in a ground with a 15,000 capacity.

'Negative reporting'

In a statement, the club said persistently negative reporting in the local media has affected their financial planning and caused a fall in income.

The termination of players' contracts was described as regrettable, but the club said further measures may still need to be taken.

They added that they would be able to fulfill league fixtures for the 2001/2 season.