Carlisle United are urging more supporters to put themselves forward to be the club's second fan representative, insisting the Brunton Park hierarchy will not "dictate" the role.

Blues fans have until Friday, May 13 to apply for the non-executive position on the club's operational board, currently held by Claire Winder.

A panel of people from the club, businesses, sponsors and media will shortlist four applicants, who will then go to a public vote.

United's finance director Suzanne Kidd said the club was committed to the role and would allow the successful candidate to put their own stamp on it.

She said: "When we first talked about it, we had taken some feedback about what was felt to be a gap between the hierarchy at the club and the fans.

"This role was something we had seen work in other businesses and charities. Last year the applications were wide and varied, and we felt the process worked well.

"Being the first person to hold any position is a difficult task, and it hasn't been an easy year, with the floods, investment issues, and the 'billionaire' still looming over the club.

"But I think Claire has done well - she has identified and worked on some particular projects and brought forward some important issues. She has worked hard to make herself available and visible as a link between the club and fans, and she certainly hasn't been a once every six week person who only comes into the club for board meetings.

"She hasn't been shy in asking questions about things that important to her and the fans, and she has taken the time to approach individual people in the club about various aspects.

"She has probably got a lot of words of advice to pass on to who comes next, if she doesn't apply again herself."

The position starts on July 1 and lasts for a full year, with United saying the successful candidate must pass the Football League's fit and proper person test and also sign a confidentiality agreement.

Kidd added: "We don't want to dictate what the role is. It's the fans' rep's role to mould themselves, and it is for them to decide how best to communicate with the fans.

"There is value to the club in this role and hopefully that will only increase the longer we do it."

To apply send a covering letter to Suzanne Kidd, Brunton Park, Warwick Road, Carlisle CA1 1LL or email suzanne.kidd@carlisleunited.co.uk.