Carlisle United believe that staging their latest fans' forum on live radio rather than bringing supporters face-to-face with directors will enable them to reach more of their fanbase.

The first such forum of the season is being hosted by BBC Radio Cumbria tonight.

It will see Blues co-owner John Nixon, chief executive Nigel Clibbens and CUOSC representative Jim Mitchell face questions from the public.

It is a change of approach from previous forums which have been hosted at Brunton Park and seen supporters facing the club's hierarchy directly.

United, though, say they hope tonight's format will allow more fans than usual to interact with club bosses.

Blues spokesman Andy Hall said: "It's a good opportunity for the fans to engage directly with members of both the 1921 Ltd and Holdings boards. We have gone for a slightly different format this time in the hope that we can reach as much of Cumbria as possible.

"We have found in the past that people have got in touch after previous forums saying that they didn't have the opportunity to ask their questions and they didn't feel represented.

"So we are trying something completely new to see if it works and becomes more popular.

"In past forums we have had as few as 30 people turn up. We feel the opportunity to use the reach of BBC Radio Cumbria in a live studio setting will get the message out there, and we would encourage supporters to ask as many questions as possible."

Hot topics that could be aired tonight include the club's financial position, particularly its relationship with Edinburgh Woollen Mill, as well as the future of Brunton Park and the team's recent form under manager Keith Curle.

It is also the first fans' forum since the demise of the "billionaire" investment saga.

BBC Radio Cumbria sports editor Paul Newton is also urging fans to take the opportunity to speak directly to those running United.

"We’re looking for supporters to call in with their questions and put them directly to the panel," he said.

"This gives fans the ability to immediately respond to any of the answers they are given on the night. I think that’s an important element of any Q&A like this."

The show will run from 6-8pm on radio, online, Freeview channel 721 and will also be streamed on Facebook Live via the BBC Cumbria page.

Fans can call 0345 3051122 with their questions from 6pm.