Courtenay, who has already had one brief meeting with members of the Carlisle & Cumbria United Independent Supporters' Trust (CCUIST) says he will be looking to hold more meetings with them where the issue of supporter representation can be discussed. CCUIST already have nearly 900 full members and a share fund that should reach £140,000 by the end of next season. The money is earmarked for the purchase of new shares in the club and Courtenay he will be willing to reduce his majority shareholding although not as far as handing control over to the trust. "They want to buy a share in the club and I'm quite happy to sell a substantial share but not a controlling interest. I've no problem having a fans representative on the board, but I don't want a token. It has to be a useful member of the board who understands what we are trying to do," he said. "I have spoken briefly to CCUIST and I intend to talk to them again. They said they would like in excess of 20 per cent. I told them I have no objection in principle, but the total percentage would include the seven per cent already held by other people than me. They will have to pay the market price. I'm not a charity. I didn't get the share for free and I'm not giving them away for free." Courtenay conceded he wasn't a Carlisle man and never would be so he would welcome the input of a person who represented local fans' interests in the decision-making process. He is expected to become the chairman and will appoint a chief executive who will run the club on a day-to-day basis. The make up of the new board will be decided later but one thing for certain is that Mark Knighton, the 24-year-old son of current owner Michael Knighton will not be staying at Brunton Park. Current financial director Andrea Whittaker will be given the chance to stay, however. And the Dublin-based freight millionaire said he would watch with interest the size of United's next home gate against Hartlepool, which is expected to be comfortably the club's biggest this season, even though the deal to buy the club will not be finalised until the middle of February. "We can break even and run the club properly with gates of 4,500," said Courtenay. "But the more money becomes available, the more money will go into the team. We need to improve facilities and we could that with gates of 6,000. If you want the best, you have to spend money. I am prepared to put money in, but are Carlisle people prepared to put money in? I'll be very interested in the size of the next home gate." |
