By Malcolm Nugent - CUOSC

CUOSC directors are putting themselves on the spot tonight.

We are holding a members' meeting in Foxy’s at Brunton Park from 7pm and we hope as many supporters as possible turn up.

It is a chance to ask questions and to let us know what you think about all things United.

We have been taking questions via Twitter, Facebook and email and if you cannot make it in person internet access will also be available by contacting info@cuosc.org.uk

Billy Atkinson, CUOSC’s representative on the Blues’ Holdings board, and Nigel Davidson, our rep on the club’s 1921 operational board, will both be in attendance.

If you are not a member you can join on the night. It costs £10 for an adult for one year and £5 for seniors and under-18s.

Tickets will also be available for the Blues’ Christmas raffle. CUOSC have donated matchday hospitality for ten people in Foxy’s – a package worth £500 – and there are lots of other great prizes on offer.

The raffle has been organised by Carlisle United Supporter Groups (CUSG) and proceeds will go towards fan-related projects. Tickets cost £1 and can be bought from supporters’ reps.

They will be on sale around the Fanzone and under the East Stand before Saturday’s match with Barrow and the Boxing Day clash with Bradford City. The draw takes place on Wednesday, December 28.

United saw a home league gate drop below 5,000 for the first time this season at the weekend when they drew 1-1 with Sutton.

There were a number of reasons, with the game being streamed live on iFollow, the kick-off being brought forward to 1pm and Christmas fast approaching.

The same will apply again on Saturday when the Blues would normally expect a bumper crowd for the Cumbrian ‘derby’ with Barrow.

We’re hoping, this time, fans will come out in force to get behind the Blues. With both teams at the top end of the table it’s a match not to be missed.

CUOSC were sad to learn this week of the death of ‘true Blue’ Barry Carter. Barry, 65, supported the Blues both home and away and was the club’s disabled supporters’ representative. He was a regular visitor to CUOSC’s Saturday pre-match supporters’ surgeries.

His funeral is at Carlisle Crematorium at 3pm on Monday, December 19. There will be a minute’s applause in his honour in the 65th minute against Barrow.