Carlisle United have issued a heartfelt thank-you to fans who have contacted the club to show their support in a time of huge uncertainty due to the coronavirus.

The Blues say supporters have been getting in touch to stress they do not want refunds from tickets they have already bought for games which have now been shelved.

With the season on hold until at least April 30, it leaves United and their fellow clubs facing a long period without regular matchday income.

The EFL this week announced a £50m short-term relief fund, though it is not yet clear how or when Carlisle will benefit from that.

In the meantime, Blues officials say they wanted to express their gratitude to the die-hard fans, including season-ticket holders, who have shown solidarity during a period of worry and concern.

United spokesman Andy Hall said: “It is absolutely no surprise to us that we’ve already been contacted – via social media, emails and phonecalls – by people saying that, if the worst happens, and this season does not kick off again, they do not want refunds.

“They have said ‘it is what it is’, and the season-ticket money is there and it’s fine, and just something to look at how and when we start up again.

“That has been breath-taking but not surprising. That’s Carlisle fans. It’s probably football fans in general but it’s definitely Carlisle fans.

“Whatever the gripes, worries and concerns supporters may ever have, one thing that underpins the lot of it is that they all want the best for the football club.”

Carlisle have seen their remaining nine League Two games, including four home fixtures, postponed for the foreseeable. They were due to host Leyton Orient this weekend in a game backed by a major ticket initiative which had been expected to attract a bigger than normal crowd.

The Blues this week said they had a “cash cushion”, from player sales and their recent change of financial approach, which would help them cope in the short term.

United, though, must still adjust to a period when they are set to lose out on a large sum of ticket and commercial revenue.

The club say it makes the approaches by fans all the more appreciated.

Hall added: “We’ve been lifted by that type of response, because it isn’t just isolated, it’s been a number of people.

“It highlights to us once again just how important this community asset is to this community.”

United said it was important to wait and see how things develop in terms of a resumption of matches before deciding how to approach any further such gestures from fans.

“What we are saying is a huge thank-you to everybody who has intimated that they don’t care about refunds,” Hall added. “But it’s also important we say let’s wait and see, stay patient, and consider all the implications when this all becomes clearer.

"We’re fully aware as a football club that we have to do the right thing for our supporters, whatever that may be, as we find out what the next phase is.”

United said their Blues Store club shop remains open, operating with reduced hours from 10am-3pm on Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturdays, with a sale currently on.

They have encouraged people to purchase items online or on the phone where possible, but also stressed the shop itself will still be open.