The Piatak family have released a statement after sealing their takeover of Carlisle United. Here is that statement in full:

"Castle Sports Group is thrilled to announce the successful completion of the takeover of Carlisle United Football Club, marking a significant milestone in our journey.

"After a thorough and meticulous process, we are excited to usher in a new era for the club and its dedicated fanbase.

"This acquisition represents a commitment to the rich history and tradition of Carlisle United, and we are eager to build upon the club's legacy.

"Our family has worked diligently to ensure a smooth transition, and we are grateful for the cooperation of all parties involved in making this deal a reality.

"As we take the helm of Carlisle United, we are filled with optimism and enthusiasm for the future.

"We believe in the potential of the club and its players, and we are dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence both on and off the pitch. Our vision is to elevate Carlisle United to new heights and create a lasting legacy that resonates with the community and supporters.

"We are delighted to have completed the takeover of Carlisle United Football Club," said Tom Piatak. "This marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for the club, and we are committed to investing in its success and building a bright future together. We extend our sincere gratitude to the fans, staff, and everyone involved in making this transition a reality."

"As we embark on this journey, we look forward to engaging with the Carlisle United community and working collaboratively to achieve our shared goals.

"Together, we aim to create a football club that not only competes at the highest level but also serves as a source of pride for the local community.

"To celebrate this momentous occasion, we invite all supporters to join us on Saturday, November 25, at the Charlton match at Brunton Park. Let us make this a memorable event and sell-out the stadium!

"With warm regards and unwavering support,

"The Piatak family."

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Carlisle United: Piatak family complete Blues takeover

5 hrs ago

CARLISLE UNITED FC

FOOTBALL

BUSINESS

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CARLISLE

By Jon Colman@joncolmanSports Reporter

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Tom and Patty Piatak, and four family members, are now in charge at Brunton Park (Image: Barbara Abbott)

It's the news Carlisle United fans have been waiting for - the Piataks' takeover of the Blues is now complete.

The Brunton Park club are now in the hands of the American business family.

Carlisle confirmed the deal had been finalised in a short statement this afternoon.

It said: "Carlisle United Football Club can now confirm that following EFL approval, the ownership and control of the club has changed.

"The new owners of the club are Castle Sports Group, owned by the Piatak family from Jacksonville, Florida, USA.

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"We offer them a huge Cumbrian welcome to Carlisle United.

"Everyone associated with the club is delighted and looking forward to a long and successful future together.

"#OWNTHENORTH"

It brings a successful end to months of talks - and sees the Blues at the cusp of a new era.

The Piataks, via their Castle Sports Group company, have pledged to invest in the club on and off the pitch.

The Florida business people - Tom snr, Patty, Tom II, Alice, Jenna and Nick - are flying into the UK tomorrow ahead of Saturday's game against Charlton Athletic at Brunton Park.

They will attend the game which will now be the first under their ownership.

Read our essential coverage of the Carlisle United takeover

Everything the Piataks said after taking control of the Blues

Who will be on the boards at Brunton Park under the Americans?

Fans' trust 'confident United are in good hands'

Comment: a day to fire the imagination of Blues fans

How we broke the biggest story at United for years

It sees a change of control at the top of Brunton Park for the first time since 2008, with long-serving Cumbrian owners Andrew Jenkins, John Nixon and Steven Pattison no longer in ownership positions.

The deal sees Castle Sports Group take 90 per cent control of United's holding company CUFC Holdings, with supporters' trust CUOSC's voting stake diluted from 25.4 per cent to ten per cent.

The News & Star first revealed the Piataks' interest in the Blues with an exclusive story in August and, two months later, the Americans are now in charge of the League One club.

The Piataks had long targeted the Charlton game as a major date in the process, having recently announced a resolution to United's £2.6m debt situation with Purepay Retail Limited and completed other aspects of the transaction ahead of EFL approval, which has now been granted.

The family are set to meet the media later this week and at a press conference next week but, in the meantime, have released a statement via Castle Sports Group's social media channels.

They said they were "thrilled" to have sealed the takeover and pledged a "commitment to the rich history and tradition" of the Blues.

The Piataks said they are "filled with optimism and excitement" for the future at Brunton Park, and were determined to "foster a culture of excellence" on and off the pitch, aiming to elevate the club to "new heights".

Tom Piatak snr said: "We are delighted to have completed the takeover of Carlisle United Football Club.

"This marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for the club, and we are committed to investing in its success and building a bright future together.

"We extend our sincere gratitude to the fans, staff and everyone involved in making this transition a reality."

The Piataks say they want to "engage" with the local community and make United a source of pride in the area.

They are also calling for a "sell-out" crowd for the Charlton game this weekend.

Tom Piatak snr, speaking in September, promised to back manager Paul Simpson with a "step change" budget for the January transfer window in a bid to safeguard Carlisle's League One status.

The family also plan to develop United's infrastructure, with training facilities and improvements to Brunton Park among the priorities.

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