Carlisle United are no longer in debt to any of their owners, chief executive Nigel Clibbens has said.

Loans from backers Edinburgh Woollen Mill have, though, increased again - but not "for many months" according to Clibbens.

Clibbens commented on the current debt position in answers to fans via the Carlisle United Supporters’ Groups (CUSG).

He said that, in the last three years, nearly £1.5m of loans from owners – chiefly Andrew Jenkins – had been converted into shares in the club’s Holdings company.

Clibbens added: “Since 30 June 2018 the shareholder debt has been fully eliminated.

“All the historic shareholder debt has now been fully exchanged for non-voting equity in Holdings, there is no shareholder debt to repay whatsoever, to Andrew Jenkins or anyone else.

“That means in the last three years close to £1.5m of cash provided to fund the club by shareholders in the past [as interest free, unsecured loans, with no repayment date], is no longer to be repaid by the club.

“This removes another overhang from the past, and that should be seen as a good move for the club for the future.

“The Pioneer [Jenkins’ firm] debt has also been reduced, as agreed, as part of their sponsorship deal.”

Clibbens said that United, despite reducing their player budget last season, were still spending more money on players than they could afford.

“That extra spending on football is possible only with the financial support of EWM,” the chief executive said.

“This continues to be provided as loans. So, inevitably, this balance has increased since June 2018.

“As a consequence, fans should expect the total club debt to increase when it is next reported, as some debts go down and EWM debt goes up.

“This is a continuation of the same overall funding model as in previous years. It is the same as most EFL clubs follow.”

Clibbens said this was all budgeted and planned for, “from a sustainable source as part of an agreed plan”.

But he suggested United had not needed to draw on EWM’s funding for some time now.

“Fans should also be aware the funding required has reduced considerably in 2019 and it is worthy of note, no external funding has been required for many months,” he added.

Jenkins and fellow owners John Nixon and Steven Pattison have provided personal guarantees against the EWM debt.

Clibbens, meanwhile, insisted there were no “live” takeover or investment talks at United at the moment.

This was in response to rumours that United were in discussions with unnamed parties.

One fan has said he was told by fans’ trust CUOSC that talks were taking place.

Clibbens said: “I am aware at a private CUOSC meeting with a fan that potential investment was discussed, but there is nothing to report at present.”

Asked what steps the club had taken recently to find new owners, Clibbens said: “I have met with an investment broker representing potentially interested parties looking at investing in UK football. We shared basic information, but it hasn’t progressed further so far.

“Directors have been contacted by two separate other parties but neither has progressed their interest so far. Best described as tentative enquiries. This kind of enquiry is normal and reflects the recent past experience of tentative enquiries.”

He also said the club and CUOSC “accept” the need for ownership succession, but “it would be irresponsible to go into specifics at the moment.”