The Carlisle United fans behind the big crowdfunding initiative at Brunton Park say the money raised could still help Keith Curle in the market this season - even though the transfer window has closed.

Although the deadline passed at 11pm on Tuesday night, United's manager is still allowed to sign free agents.

And those behind the fundraising scheme said the five-figure sum raised by supporters will be available to help the Blues boss if he makes any such signings.

Initially with a £10,000 target, the total eventually rose to £12,758, including £1,205 raised in the Study Centre at Brunton Park on Saturday and a further £100 donated by a Golden Gamble winner.

That will leave about £12,000 once Crowdfunder and Paypal fees are paid.

The cash was not used before Tuesday's deadline - which saw Carlisle sell Charlie Wyke for an "undisclosed" six-figure fee.

An official "handover" of the money is now being discussed with United.

An ability to demonstrate that the money is only spent on player acquisition is likely to be sought.

CUOSC's Mike Denovellis said: "I spent the majority of Saturday pre-game in the Study Centre, and was amazed by the number of people coming in that were either donating there and then, or had donated online but wanted to thank, or congratulate the efforts so far.

"This has been a collective supporter effort, and it's been brilliant to watch it unfold."

Another contract matter is up for discussion at United, meanwhile, with defender Alex McQueen's latest short-term deal now up.

The full-back has made three appearances since rejoining the Blues in December.

While new signings John O'Sullivan, Jamie Proctor and George Waring linked up with their new team-mates yesterday, departing midfielder Joe McKee suggested he had no hard feelings about his short-lived time at United.

The midfielder joined Falkirk on Tuesday night after leaving the Blues by mutual consent, making just eight Carlisle appearances following his switch from Morton last summer.

On Twitter McKee wrote: "Good luck to @officialcufc for the rest of the season, unfortunate the way it worked out, but that's football."

On Falkirk TV he added: "I didn’t quite get as many first-team opportunities as maybe I felt I deserved. It just got to a point where I was desperate to play football. I don’t want to sit on the bench any longer and not play in games."