Nixon to depart Carlisle

Carlisle's managing director John Nixon is to stand down from his position, the club has confirmed.

The Cumbrians are currently in talks with an unnamed consortium which has proposed "substantial investment" in the club over the next three to five years. An approach from an alternative investment group is also currently being considered by the club. Nixon, unpaid in his role at Brunton Park, told the club's official website: "I want to make it crystal clear that I will be leaving my post as managing director of Carlisle United once the ownership issue has been resolved. "It is taking longer than we would have wanted but I think most supporters will understand that we had to consider this fresh approach from a potential new investor. "Whatever the outcome, I will not be continuing as managing director or in any such post. "We need fresh blood and fresh ideas and I am fully committed to stepping aside. "It is something I talked about a year go. Whoever comes into the club will need to appoint their own new MD - their own person - and that is only right. "I have enjoyed every minute of my time at the club. There have been some great times. "The last three years have been difficult but I am a Carlisle United supporter at heart and I have done what I could for my club and by carrying out what the board wanted to do. "Of course, I will be happy to help the club in any way I can and I will be willing to assist the new owner and new managing director in the short-term, if required. "I would never walk away without seeing things through and ensuring that a complete handover is achieved." Nixon plans to remain a shareholder and stay as a director of CUFC Holdings, which owns 93 per cent of Carlisle United FC, but intends to stand down from the board of Carlisle United 1921 Ltd, which handles the day-to-day running of the club.