Carlisle United owner Tom Piatak says Mike Williamson has 'full support' despite relegation form

Carlisle United owner Tom Piatak says head coach Mike Williamson has "full commitment" from the board to get the club back on track.

Up to 100 supporters put questions to club representatives during a fans forum on 7 January 2025. Chairman Tom Piatak, Head Coach Mike Williamson and Sporting Director Rob Clarkson were amongst the panel.

Carlisle United sit rock bottom of the English Football League - placed 24th in the League Two table.

American Owner Tom Piatak says their current position is completely unacceptable, he said: "Speaking personally from the family we're angry, frustrated and disappointed.

"Much like you, it hurts - we feel the pain. We hear the voices of the fans. We are very competitive and we hate losing, it weighs on our shoulders.

"We desperately want to win. One of the reasons we took over was because of the passionate fan base - that has been unbelievable.

"You've completely blown us away with your support. We want nothing more to provide you with a winning team.

"We're doing everything we can to try to provide a winning club here for Cumbria and Carlisle. It's our goal and it's something we're absolutely consumed with - it won't waiver."

Head coach Mike Williamson was appointed to turn around their poor start to the 24/25 campaign, on 19 September 2024.

The 41-year-old took over from Paul Simpson who got sacked after losing three out of his four opening fixtures - off the back of League One relegation. Piatak said promotion was still on the cards after appointing Williamson last year.

However, Carlisle United have lost nine games in League Two since his arrival, only winning three league games.

Addressing concerns over whether Williamson is the right person for the job, he said: "Mike is the right person to get us out of this fight. He knows the position we're in and how to get us out of it.

"From an ownership perspective changing the head coach right now will not improve our chances of winning this fight. He has our full commitment to lead us and get us through this."

The American owners took over the Cumbrian club in November 2023. The owners have spent millions in an effort to push the club up the football pyramid - but they now face the potential of back-to-back relegations.

One Carlisle United supporter said: "I appreciate them all coming down and fronting the fans up, it did take a lot to come down and face 100 angry football fans.

"No one wants to be in this position currently, it's an absolute disaster. I think most people got the answers and explanations they were looking for."

Another fan said: "I still think it still smacks of complacency, we're six points adrift and there seems to be implicit faith in this manager, that whatever results he gets, he's the man for the job."

One blues supporter said: "The owners are the best thing that's ever happened to Carlisle United. Years ago in the old first division we could have done with somebody that put money into the club, they've poured millions in - I don't think anyone should criticise them for that.

"I think with the head coach, the jury is still out. I don't know what to think," he added.

Another fan said: "The proof will be in the pudding. There's a lot of optimism but it'll come down to results, what we don't want is another forum in six months discussing the mistakes in January. But everybody's trying, I don't doubt that for one minute."

"They've said tonight that they're going to back him. We've got to get behind him I suppose, but if we lose the next three games... a decision will need to be made."

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