Mike Williamson says the Piataks have underlined their “unanimous” support as Carlisle United build towards the January transfer window.

The message from the Blues’ American owners could not be clearer, the head coach says, as United approach the crucial mid-season market.

Carlisle are aiming to plot their way up the League Two table and away from the risk of relegation.

Williamson has raised the prospect of movement both in and out of Brunton Park come January.

And he says the Piataks, who own the club through their Castle Sports Group company, have stressed their wholehearted backing in recent discussions.

“The owners have given nothing but support in terms of, ‘Anything you need, let us know'," Williamson told the News & Star when asked about the owners' message on resources and plans for January.

“That's been the message since I've come in, so it's been very consistent.

“They obviously know where we are, they know what we're trying to do and it's vice versa – we see the work that's going on in all fronts there.

“I had a meeting [on Tuesday] with them and Rob [Clarkson, United’s sporting director].

Mike Williamson, right, says the Piataks underlined their support in a meeting this week which also involved Rob Clarkson, leftMike Williamson, right, says the Piataks underlined their support in a meeting this week which also involved Rob Clarkson, left (Image: Richard Parkes)

“They wanted to know exactly where we think we are – and again, the support was unanimous, in terms of, ‘Do what you need to do - just let us know what we can do’.”

The transfer window is set to be a pivotal period in United’s aim to get away from the risk of relegation from League Two.

The Cumbrians, ahead of Saturday’s home clash with third-placed Crewe Alexandra, are bottom of the table on goal difference.

A draw or a win this weekend will take them out of the relegation zone with both Morecambe and Swindon Town in FA Cup second round action.

On January, Williamson has said that “pre-planning” is continuing with sporting director Clarkson, while he has had some “honest” discussions with out-of-favour players who have “knocked on his door” recently.

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