Carlisle United's supporters' trust insist progress IS being made in succession talks - and that an "issue" in the process has been resolved.

CUOSC gave a brief update on the top-level talks in a briefing to members.

An update on the debt/succession situation was provided at a board meeting last week by CUOSC's Holdings board director Billy Atkinson.

He told the meeting that "a resolution [had been] agreed to one outstanding issue".

"Progress was being made, albeit slowly," the meeting minutes added.

The latest comment comes despite an update issued by club chief executive Nigel Clibbens before a supporters' groups (CUSG) meeting last week where he said "there had been "no change or progress on change of ownership or control" and "no new meetings held" regarding takeover talks.

Chairman Andrew Jenkins had said, prior to that, that discussions were taking place "regularly" with "a possible investor wanting to take over the club".

Wealthy businessman Philip Day, whose Edinburgh Woollen Mill firm loaned United more than £2m, has long been linked with top-level talks at Brunton Park.

CUOSC also used their members' briefing to defend Clibbens.

A question from a supporter questioned the number of executive positions at Brunton Park and claimed the chief exec had been brought in to take pressure off the club's owners, such as John Nixon, when facing questions on the Blues' plight.

The fan said United were "top heavy" and did not need a chief exec, director of football and finance director to do deals, whilst also listing a number of backroom staff positions at Brunton Park.

CUOSC, who have representatives on both boards at Brunton Park, replied: "The main point we want to make is that the staffing costs that the club incur have no discernible impact on the playing budget.

"The positions you list are common for clubs of our stature and are important roles in any football club. The wages paid are no higher than the usual levels for these positions.

"Nigel Clibbens was brought in to fill the role of CEO, not simply to act as a 'mouthpiece' for anyone.

"He is a skilled communicator and we believe he has improved the way the club delivers information, both externally and internally.

"He has done a sound job of administering the switch to the new in-house catering set-up. We continue to work constructively with Nigel, who we see as one of the club's major assets."

CUOSC said Clibbens was "managing" the manager recruitment process, saying a new person would be in place "as soon as possible".

"A shortlist had been drawn up and interviews arranged," added Atkinson - who is part of the interviewing panel - at last Wednesday's meeting.