Carlisle United chief executive Nigel Clibbens has paid tribute to the club’s departing owners.
In 2008, Fred Story passed control to current chairman and largest shareholder Andrew Jenkins along with John Nixon and Steven Pattison – and David Allen before he left in 2009 – who have sat alongside CUOSC as owners ever since.
Following a debt restructuring, long serving director, Lord Clark of Windermere then became a non-voting shareholder.
On the club website Clibbens said: “They have all worked tirelessly for Carlisle United and remain very passionate and lifelong United fans.
“Much of what they have done has been behind the scenes, without seeking plaudits. They have preferred to stay in the background and just get on with the job.
“Being responsible for a club is never easy. It needs passion, determination, commitment and real resilience to keep going. They have demonstrated all of those qualities over a long period.
“In tough times, which inevitably come along from time to time, they have done whatever they could to keep the club pushing forward and help and support the club and all its staff.
“Andrew is unique in having his entire life so closely connected with the club and words can’t do justice to what he has given over a lifetime.
“Steven has always worked behind scenes in his own way, seeking nothing in return and always putting the club interest before his own.
“In my seven years here, John has been nothing but supportive to the staff and myself and is 100 per cent Carlisle United through and through.
“David has always provided astute advice and brought an independent perspective to the club.
“They have always been upfront about the challenges of ownership, especially financially, and achieving progress. This has been upmost in their minds as they look to secure the future of the club.
“Part of the responsibility of ownership is making sure a club is left in safe hands. As the club is about to move into a new chapter, they have done all they can to ensure that too.
“From all at the club we wish them well. Thank you.”
