Carlisle United chief Nigel Clibbens says the club expect to start the season with 25 per cent more season ticket holders than last term.

The Blues chief executive says the club have been "really pleased" with the response from supporters so far.

Clibbens says Carlisle have so far sold about 2,000 tickets, an increase of about 300 on how they ended the 2016/17 campaign.

This is despite the Blues having yet to unveil any close-season signings.

United launched a new initiative for renewal and early-buy periods this summer, offering extra savings if enough fans signed up for next season.

Clibbens said: "We're really pleased season-tickets are as they are now, around 2,000, and still only part way through the selling process.

"Last season we ended on about 1,650-1,700, so we will probably end up with 25 per cent more season-ticket holders than last year, which is fantastic and shows fans want to support the club."

Clibbens noted that crowds overall were up last season while he also said United's travelling supporters had again done the club proud.

He added: "One thing everybody would accept watching Carlisle United games last season is that they were very exciting.

"There weren't many dull games - there were loads of goals and exciting finishes.

"We hope that continues.

"The support we get away from home is fantastic for this level, especially given the mileage the fans have to cover.

"Win, lose or draw they are there to the end and back the team all the way - and it does help, because we got some late results."