Carlisle United have announced plans for a poignant tribute to those connected to the club who have died during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Blues plan to use their big screen at Brunton Park to feature a "roll of remembrance".

It will pay tribute to fans, former players, staff members and anyone else connected to United who have passed away since the start of the pandemic in 2020.

Their names will be displayed on the screen, which is situated at the Waterworks End of the ground, at the first home league game of the 2021/22 season which is open to all fans.

Most games have been played behind closed doors since last year, with a handful in front of limited attendances, making it impossible for the Blues to pay the fullest tribute to those who have died.

The new tribute will be accompanied by a minute of applause at the game.

United in a statement said: "The club invites supporters to submit the names of any fan or other person connected to the club who they would like to be remembered in this moment of reflection."

Any accompanying messages regarding the submitted names will be included in an In Memoriam section on the club website.

United say fans are welcome to submit images in jpeg format as well as the names of those they would like to be remembered in this way.

"As we head towards the start of a new season we would like to take a moment to reflect on those we have lost over the course of the last 18 months," the Blues added.

"It has been an unbelievably testing and difficult period for many of us, and the subsequent lock-out of fans from stadiums took from us the opportunity to say goodbye to many of our friends who have sadly passed away.

"At the first Saturday league game of the 2021/22 season (where all supporters are allowed to attend as normal - no further Covid restrictions in place) we will be holding a minute of applause ahead of kick off as the names (and accompanying pictures, if requested) of all those we wish to remember are shown on the club’s big screen."

Details should be emailed to media@carlisleunited.co.uk with a closing date for messages August 2 at 5pm.

That deadline will be extended should Covid restrictions remain.

The Blues are corrently planning for normal crowds to return to the stadium next season.