Piatak family hint at Carlisle United takeover date

That is according to the latest update from the American family seeking to buy the club.

The Piataks appear to have earmarked the Blues' game against Charlton Athletic at Brunton Park on Saturday, November 25 as a significant date in the takeover process.

The Florida business people also appear to have confirmed that a resolution has been reached in negotiations over the club's £2.6m debt to Purepay Retail Limited.

That was previously described as a "significant hurdle" by the Piataks - a phrase they have now repeated in a social media post which implied it had now been dealt with.

Posting via Castle Sports Group - the UK business they set up as a vehicle for the takeover - the family wrote on Monday evening: "Progress Update: The most significant hurdle is now in the rearview mirror.

"We are focused on tying up the remaining minor issues.

"The entire family looks forward to seeing all supporters at the 25/11 Charlton home match...you do not want to miss that one. Up the Blues! #cufc"

Progress Update: The most significant hurdle is now in the rearview mirror. We are focused on tying up the remaining minor issues. The entire family looks forward to seeing all supporters at the 25/11 Charlton home match.. you do not want to miss that one. Up the Blues! #cufc

— CastleSportsGroup (@CastleSportsGrp) October 30, 2023

It is understood that, short of resolving the remaining paperwork, there are few hurdles left to the Jacksonville family taking control of United.

The EFL are assessing documents submitted to accompany the takeover process but there is no suggestion of any problems in that part of the deal.

Charlton Athletic's visit to Brunton Park on November 25 looks set to be a key date in the takeover completion (Image: PA)

Blues chief executive Nigel Clibbens said earlier this month that a resolution was "close" over the debt and that other aspects of the deal were on course.

It means United stand on the brink of a new era after 15 years of the current "custodian" ownership led by veteran co-owner Andrew Jenkins alongside John Nixon and Steven Pattison.

Tom Piatak snr and wife Patty have attended Carlisle's last three games, including Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Cambridge United.

Family members Jenna, Alice, Tom II and Nick, who are part of the takeover group, have also watched a number of games this season.

The Piataks have been courting the Blues for several months, with the News & Star first revealing their interest in the club in early August.

They went on to impress fans at a supporters' trust meeting, with 98 per cent of CUOSC members going on to vote in favour of their proposals.

The deal will see the family take 90 per cent control of CUFC Holdings, with CUOSC's 25.4 per cent voting stake reduced to ten per cent.

Tom Piatak snr told the News & Star at the September CUOSC meeting that he hoped the deal would be sealed in the October 14-20 period, but a November conclusion now looks on the cards.