Carlisle United chairman Tom Piatak issues a statement amid unrest and concern with the club in the League Two drop zone.
He has expressed his unwavering confidence in Mike Williamson to realize the club’s long-term objectives on the field.
The chairman of the Blues has released an extensive statement in response to the increasing criticism regarding the team’s performance in League Two.
Piatak, speaking through his family’s Castle Sports Group, which owns the club, acknowledged the frustration felt by supporters concerning the current situation.
However, he emphasized that the club’s directors remain committed to implementing a new style of play at Brunton Park, asserting that meaningful change in this area necessitates “patience.”
Furthermore, the American businessman has publicly stated his belief that Williamson is the right individual to execute this vision, despite a growing number of fans calling for the head coach’s dismissal after a brief tenure of less than two months.
— CastleSportsGroup (@CastleSportsGrp) October 29, 2024
Carlisle fans fume at Mike Williamson as miserable run continues with defeat to Cheltenham
STATEMENT:
Message from Chairman Tom Piatak
All the family know we are extremely fortunate to have such an unbelievably loyal and passionate fanbase, that is why we wanted to be here and come to CUFC. We still underestimated you. You have shown us more support than we could have dreamed of and backed the team to the ends of England, in truly remarkable numbers given what has been given back in return.
We know for too long your loyalty and patience has been tested and it is happening again now. We understand how deeply everyone feels and the concerns everyone has right now and the emotions that all brings. Especially after games like Saturday and the run we are on. We see all the emotions; anger, upset and fears. We would never criticise you for that passion, everyone must face up to it and respond to it in the right way.
Even though my family and I have been here a short time, we are experiencing and share the pain you feel just now. We know what is at stake and are not complacent about the current position -not for one second. We are committed to fixing it_ The club is in good hands, as we hope you have seen from what we have done so far.
For too long, Carlisle United has not reached its potential, there have been too few highs and too many lows. We must ask ourselves: do we want more of the same, or do we want to create something we can all be proud of?
Our vision is clear and unwavering: to build Carlisle United into a competitive, respected force within the EFL. We are committed to building a sustainable future rooted in a progressive, modern football philosophy.
Transformation does not happen overnight, and meaningful progress requires dedication and patience. This is about more than just a season or a few games; it is about evolving into a club that thrives through a distinct style of football, engages fans, develops players, and drives long-term sustainable success at a higher level.
The Ownership and Directors have carefully considered and decided to establish and build on a style of play for the club that emphasises possession-based, high-press football—an approach that prioritises controlled, attacking play, demanding intensity, and intelligence on the pitch.
This style of play improves our ability to attract players with potential to both improve the team and create value for future sale. It enables us to attract top loan players from the upper echelons of the football pyramid. It helps create meaningful opportunities for young talent coming up through our academy, establishing a pathway for our youth to play a vital role in our success.
We targeted, brought-in and believe, Mike Williamson and his team are the people to execute this vision
and strategy, driving the team forward in a way that aligns with our long-term ambitions.
We are changing and modernising our football structure. The Sporting Director role is crucial to this. We
want to ensure we bring forward the best candidate with the specific skills we need. We believe that
selecting the right individual, with a very strong recruitment background, the breadth of networks and
talent identification skills required and a high focus on data, are key for our future success. This will play a vital role in supporting the club’s vision and ambitions. Interviews for the new Sporting Director position are currently ongoing and the club will detail this more fully in a separate update.
We have already made a significant investment in our infrastructure and squad, and we are preparing to
make an additional commitment to a state-of-the-art training facility. This investment will serve as the
foundation for the future, allowing us to develop and promote strong young Cumbrians.
Yes – it might be easier to keep the same approach from the past, but that is not what we are about as in
the end it will hold us back. Sticking to the familiar path keeps us where we have always been, and that is
not what we are here for. We are here to build a brighter future, and that requires all of us—fans, players,
coaches, and staff—working together and staying the course.
Our commitment to this approach is not based on short-term gains but on a lasting vision and deep belief it is the right course for the club. We are confident in the foundations we are setting, actively working to
bring the squad in line with this philosophy and honouring the heritage and values of the club while
pushing forward.
If we want to reach new heights and be something truly special, we must embrace change. We need
everyone’s support to truly make a difference. Change takes time, true progress is built on patience, and
it may not be easy.
While results may take time, our commitment to this path will not waiver and we will do what is required
to move the club forward. It does not change the non-negotiable basics required from everyone at the
club such as togetherness, spirit, desire, effort, and willingness to give absolutely everything for the cause.
I urge our fans to stay behind this team, as they always have. Your support will be crucial as we move
forward for the rest of this season on this journey together.
Thank you for your unwavering support and understanding as we build the Carlisle United of the future.
Up The Blues
