Carlisle United await Boris Johnson Covid-19 announcement as they prepare season-ticket plans

Unlike some clubs, the Blues have so far held back from launching their ticket offerings for the 2021/22 campaign.

The Brunton Park club are close to confirming their season-ticket deals but have, throughout the pandemic, been consistent in delaying action until the Covid climate is as clear as possible.

That remains the case as the prime minister set to give a press conference this evening with a delay to lockdown easing expected.

It is hoped there will be no new restrictions on sporting events, with regulations currently allowing outdoor venues to host 25 per cent of capacity.

If that remains the case – or is eased further – it would enable United to sell season-tickets in what would be regarded as their normal numbers.

The ticket details eventually confirmed by the Blues will be among several announcements expected soon, with Carlisle’s new home and away kits also in the offing.

United are also expected to confirm new signings, having lost a series of players recently.

Speaking last month, chief executive Nigel Clibbens set out the club’s approach on season-tickets during the Covid-19 climate, after a campaign when a majority of games ended up being played behind closed doors.

He said: “We haven’t put them on sale early because we didn’t want to take advantage of the fans’ loyalty, in terms of, ‘Give us your money for a season-ticket that we can’t fulfil, and you can’t come to games.

“A lot of clubs have done that, said, ‘Thanks for your cash – do you want it back? Maybe [in a] guilt trip sort of way.

“Clubs are doing it this season [too]. There are no guarantees, as we sit here now, that every single fan who wants to come to every single match can get in next season.

“We still don’t know. Yet season-tickets are being sold. We’re not going down that route.”

Clibbens said United were, though, planning some “offers and initiatives” for season-tickets in a bid to tempt fans back to the Blues.