Carlisle United trust urge members to vote for Piatak deal

CUOSC are tabling a resolution to members which will be voted on between now and Wednesday evening.

It is a key part of the takeover process and the trust’s board have unanimously urged members to vote in favour.

The positive way the American business family were received by trust members at Sunday’s meeting, when they presented their plans and vision for the club, has led to confidence that things will go the Piataks’ way.

“I’m not a gambling man but the process is that we need a simple majority – 50.1 per cent to vote in favour of it,” said CUOSC chair Matt Spooner after the meeting.

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“If we look at the history of previous deals, they've always had a majority in support.

"I think the room reacted well. You could hear a pin drop most of the time when Tom was talking.

“I think people were genuinely excited – there were smiles on faces throughout it.”

As the Florida business family explained their aims for United, veteran CUOSC member and former Blues board representative Norman Steel told members that backing the deal was a “no-brainer”.

Spooner also told the meeting that members should “use their vote wisely” and that the trust board felt the Piataks’ plan was in United’s best interests.

Speaking to the News & Star after the meeting, Spooner added: “It’s the biggest day in the club’s history that I remember.

CUOSC members at the meeting with the American business people (Image: Barbara Abbott)

“I was nervous this morning – we came into an empty room to set everything up, but people turned up, and applauded a lot at the end of it…so I think it went well.

“I think in the past, at members’ meetings the trust has had, and with the involvement the trust has had with the club, it has at times been borderline toxic.

“Some of the criticism has been warranted, some of it hasn’t been. But I must admit, since I’ve been in the trust over the last year, it’s only been good stuff.

“We had the fun of Wembley, we’ve been able to introduce potential new investors and owners to fans, and I think the room reacted well.”

CUOSC's Matt Spooner introduces the Piataks at the meeting (Image: Barbara Abbott)

Spooner explained the next stages of the process in the event of the vote going the Piataks’ way.

“Shortly after Wednesday, when we have the result, we’ll let them and the shareholders and the club know, we’ll let members know, we’ll let the local media know,” he said.

“Once that’s done, that’s our part of the deal done until we sign the final papers – then it’s up to Tom and the owners to ratify their parts.

“That is under way and nearing completion.”

Piatak told the meeting, and reiterated in an interview with the News & Star, that he is eager for Purepay Retail Limited to come to the table to resolve the debt position ahead of the takeover.

Piatak said he was “confident” a solution could be reached while Spooner was also optimistic about the situation.

“What we’ve been told all along is that the Purepay situation is a hurdle. It needs to be resolved,” he said.

“I think that after hearing the appetite in the room for this to happen, one way or another I’m hopeful and optimistic that between the potential new owners, current owners and the trust, that we can find a way to move forward.”