Like Jason Kennedy sneaking into the penalty area, this set of new year resolutions arrives late. But with 51 weeks of 2017 remaining, there is still much that Carlisle United can affect, shape and steer.

Here, then, are a few hopes and dreams for life at Brunton Park in the months to come.

1. Disperse the "billionaire" clouds for good. This was a similar ambition at the turn of 2016 yet here we still are, wondering when the saga will be resolved.

The overseas investment mystery hits yet another milestone tomorrow: day 600. A sextuple century, and still no deal. Still no name, in fact, that the wider fanbase can conjure with.

Those at the heart of Brunton Park insist that "progress" is being made. United's official supporters' club are also open-minded on the "enthusiastic" suitor.

Others are sceptical if not outright cynical - and not without reason, considering the time elapsed, inconsistencies in the narrative, wider debt worries and the sporadic nature of "updates".

Many more gaps need to be filled, both historic and current, and perhaps then 2017 will feel a little fresher at last.

2. Stand up to the tainted trophy. Carlisle's involvement in the Checkatrade Trophy is over but the Blues can still get busy with the controversial format if it risks being given a second series.

The "B Team" experiment has been a toxic trial where many lower-league supporters are concerned. Some of Brunton Park's lowest-ever crowds were witnessed in it this campaign. Much tinier attendances have been seen elsewhere.

This does not seem to have dissuaded the trophy's evangelists, who seem relaxed about treating clubs in Leagues One and Two as second-class citizens.

If it comes to another vote, United could speak up for the many disaffected - not to mention their level of the game in general - by firmly rejecting it this time.

3. State the case for a new ground, or otherwise. Project Blue Yonder's latest version - an idea for a stadium on Carlisle's Viaduct Estate - fizzled out in the autumn.

So is there, after its demise, a workable Plan B, C or D?

Nothing has been said in any detail by the Blues' hierarchy. Further ideas may be tied to the overseas investor's vision for United. But what if that comes to nought?

Carlisle could be a League One club next season. If they remain upwardly-mobile, a fresh scheme for where they play their football will need to be on the table.

Whether that is Brunton Park, or somewhere else, fans would appreciate being let in on the what, how and why.

4. Plug the defensive gaps. Finding fault in a team that has lost twice in 24 league games might seem like nit-picking.

And it is true that Keith Curle's side has delivered great things so far in 2016/17. This attack-minded Blues XI deserves praise and support.

Hopefully Curle will also get to work on what he described on Monday as a "bugbear" - a lack of clean sheets dating back to October.

Retaining United's adventurous side whilst making them tighter at the back is managerial holy grail. Occasionally, a team gives up on the defensive dream completely (think Peterborough in 2010/11, scoring 106 and conceding 75).

But most promotion-chasers make their peace with the idea that, in a tight run-in, a few disciplined 1-0s tend to help.

5. Repeal the anti-fun laws. Or at least apply some pressure where possible.

This isn't a United-specific issue but the Blues have been victims of it all the same.

Shaun Miller was the latest player to fall foul of the joyless diktat that says a player can only celebrate a goal within strict parameters.

Miller's sprint the length of the away stand after scoring at Crewe was a wonderful sight that offended or endangered no-one. It still ended with a yellow card.

Couldn't Carlisle's man in the corridors of power, John Nixon, lobby to change this pointless piece of jobsworth legislation?

6. Bang the drum harder and longer. Carlisle have 22 games left this season, half of them at home.

The city and county needs to be in no doubt what is occurring at Brunton Park on all those crucial Saturdays and Tuesdays.

Some people and departments at United are good at this. Their social media work, for instance, seldom fails to catch the eye. Curle's own message is clear and consistent.

But you do sense that others inside the walls are quieter than they could be when a big match is approaching and a substantial crowd is desired.

It ill behoves us to recommend copying Michael Knighton, but he knew how to convince the public there was only one place to be when the weekend was approaching.

7. Thank the faithful travellers. United's fans at home and away have stuck with the club through some dark times.

This season, at last, a glimpse of glory is there. That would be the best reward for the many die-hards.

But sometimes a club can go further. Last season when Oxford came to Brunton Park, their chairman stumped up for beers and hotdogs for their supporters.

Yeovil's manager and players also put money behind the bar for the Glovers' fans who ventured to Cumbria in December.

You can bet your bottom dollar these actions went down very well. A fan zone at the Yeovil game was a nod to United's season ticket holders, but the Blues' support on the road is always impressive, in number, volume and expense. So why not extend further the hand of appreciation?

8. Whichever players United sign, retain or lose in the transfer window, they should make at least one essential investment.

Find the largest roll of cotton wool in the country, have it delivered to Brunton Park, and wrap Nicky Adams snugly inside it.

If Carlisle are to reach League One, the creativity of Adams will be essential. This is a team of many parts but the winger is consistently a cut above.

If one thing is missing from the 30-year-old's game, it is goals. But the number he sets up is absurdly high and more than makes up.

Keeping Adams fit and fresh between now and May is surely top of any promotion checklist.