Andrew Jenkins handed honorary title at Carlisle United

The long-serving former Blues director will now be known as Chairman Emeritus of the club.

The title has been given to Jenkins in recognition of his 64 years of service to United.

It follows last week's deal which saw former chairman Jenkins and his fellow owners sell the Blues to the Piatak family.

New owner Tom Piatak said it had always been their intention to honour Jenkins' extraordinary longevity and contribution to United.

“From the very start of our discussion to take over the club, it was our intention to recognise Andrew’s contribution," Piatak said.

“As I have mentioned before, we think the history of the club is important to recognise and celebrate. We identified the club’s heritage and history as important and part of what makes it so special to everyone.

“Andrew has played a leading role and we felt it was right for us to personally show our respect for all his efforts. We are pleased to announce this and I hope Andrew can enjoy his football even more for many more years.”

Pioneer Foodservice chairman Jenkins, who was first a United director in 1959, said he was "extremely grateful and honoured" by the title.

“During the years I have been with the club I have given my total dedication in keeping Carlisle United in a strong financial position and preserving league football in the city whilst competing at the highest level possible," he added.

Before the takeover, United named the East Stand after the former chairman, with the stand also continuing to be sponsored by Pioneer.

He is no longer a director of the club and United's chief executive Nigel Clibbens said the sort of service Jenkins has given the Blues will probably never be repeated.

"Andrew’s contribution…you can’t really put it into words. It’s an absolute lifetime. And unique. And probably never to be repeated in the new era of ownership and changes of control which happens far more regularly than when [he] started," said Clibbens.

Andrew Jenkins pictured in 1959 after joining the United board (Image: News & Star)

"It's an absolutely immense contribution.

"It was a poignant moment for me at half-time last weekend [the first game under the Piataks]…everybody went in, but Andrew stayed in the box throughout half time.

"I’m usually the last person to leave, I make sure everybody’s got inside ok, and he was on his own – I went and sat with him through half-time, just us two in the box, chatting.

"He wasn’t chatting about himself, or his contribution, or the future. We were chatting about the football match. It was about the football, how we were playing against Charlton, what the second half might be like.

"He’s a football man through and through and he deserves a long time to now sit and enjoy it without the stresses and strains of being ultimately responsible for it."

Fellow director Suzanne Kidd said Jenkins had "given his life to the club" and Clibbens said some of the former chairman's financial input cannot be taken lightly.

"In the initial stages when I walked in here, recovering from the flood, around 2016-17 time, there were some difficult times during that period as we were recovering, and the end of pushing on under Keith Curle towards the play-offs," Clibbens said.

"Andrew stepped up in those difficult times. He put the money in. Without that it could have been very difficult.

"That can’t go on forever, which is ultimately where we are now. It’s therefore someone else’s opportunity to take the baton on and push the club forward.

"But that shouldn’t be forgotten. Whenever there’s been a need, Andrew has stood up and been counted. And in the end, when he needed to hand the club over to the right people, he’s done it."