Carlisle United are racing to consider the implications of yesterday's huge and dramatic proposals which could change the face of football.

Amid suggestions the Blues and fellow clubs were in the dark about 'Project Big Picture' until after it had been floated in the national media, United are now weighing up what it all means.

United have not yet commented as a club on the scheme, which is being driven by Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester United and openly backed by EFL chairman Rick Parry.

There were clear signs that the Cumbrians were caught off guard, though, by yesterday's news with chief executive Nigel Clibbens tweeting that he was "surprised" to read the story in the media first and only later receive "unexpected" proposals from the EFL.

He said there was "lots to consider" before a "very important" League Two meeting this Thursday.

United's surprise at the news - first broken by The Telegraph - comes despite the presence of an EFL director in John Nixon at Brunton Park. The Blues co-owner represents League Two clubs on the League's board.

The News & Star has asked to what extent Nixon was aware of the plans, especially in light of reports in The Athletic, that Parry put forward the idea when being interviewed for the EFL chair role.

The plans have caused debate and division throughout football in spite of their pledge to send a £250m bail-out to EFL clubs and provide 25 per cent of future TV revenue to the EFL.

There are concerns about the way the plans appear to consolidate and strengthen the voting power of the top-flight's "big six", while both the Government and Premier League have criticised the attempted moves.

The proposals would also include the end of parachute payments and reforms such as reducing the Premier League to 18 places, giving the nine longest-serving top-flight clubs preferential voting rights and ending the League Cup.

Parry insisted the plan was about "saving the pyramid", with the EFL describing it as "innovative" and something that would rebalance and revitalise" the pyramid.

The Football Supporters' Association, though, said they had "grave concern" about the proposals, suggesting the game was being "carved up" by "billionaire club owners who continue to treat football as their personal fiefdom".

They said it is crucial fans are consulted and involved in any decisions, whilst insisting they are "open-minded" to any suggestions that would improve the governance and organisation of the game.

United's supporters' trust CUOSC said they needed to wait until they understand the full implications of the proposals before commenting in detail.

They added: "However, CUOSC are members of the FSA. In recent weeks they have welcomed the government's commitment to a 'fan-led review of the governance of football' and that would appear to be even more relevant now."