Carlisle United's chief executive has admitted he still can't answer the big questions on the ownership "succession" saga at Brunton Park.

But Nigel Clibbens says he is fully aware of the feelings of supporters on the situation.

Little has been said from the top table at the club regarding the progress of talks over the long-term future of the Blues, and its seven-figure debt to Purepay Retail Limited.

United's owners have made little comment on the situation, while supporters' trust CUOSC recently warned of financial consequences for the club if they spoke out of turn.

The ongoing situation has led to increased criticism from supporters, and Clibbens says some of those complaints are "understandable" given United's predicament.

But he said a "board v fans battle" would not help, and that the "only thing that matters" at the moment is helping the team climb the League Two table.

Writing on United's website, Clibbens said: "I can’t answer every question on ownership.

"I’d love to, but it simply isn’t possible - but it’s important that supporters know I am listening.

"I hear what you are saying. I get it. Your messages get through to the heart of the club, into the boardroom.

"I also understand the frustrations, worries and fears. I read them on social media, listen to fans when they speak to me, and when fans shout and rage at me at games. They are understandable given the circumstances of late. I understand what you are saying and how you feel.

"I see our problems, they are real and clear to me, but I am definitely not accepting them. We must face up and deal with them.

"I see the plans of some fans to start a ‘board v fans’ battle, as explained before. I honestly believe the damage and consequences from that could be irreparable. That fight done now definitely won’t help us rise up the league, and it’s hard to see how it would do anything but make it more difficult in getting players in, and to win games. I don’t believe it will bring change either.

"The only thing that matters until the end of this season is doing all we all can to get up table. Full stop. Anything that risks that will do the club no good."

Clibbens said this view was not a case of "avoiding the ownership issue" or "looking after personal positions".

According to supporters' group meeting minutes, fan representatives this week told Clibbens the ongoing saga was "damaging" and called on the club to address it as soon as possible.

Clibbens added: "I accept this is a really tough ask for many fans right now. The time is now to set aside all of that and put the club ‘on the field’ first. I don’t doubt you all understand why I say it - even if you might disagree.

"The board understands what fans think and what fans need and want from them. No doubt about it - it’s my job to make sure they do.

"They do care - they are lifelong fans. They know their responsibilities and that supporters are looking to them, and relying on them. They know what is at stake.

"Everyone within the club is giving absolutely everything to make things better. That’s from shareholders down.

"That starts with a total commitment to supporting Keith Millen with all he needs to turn things around on the pitch. That’s what counts most."

Clibbens also used his latest official article to offer an assurance that United were in a good position to back boss Keith Millen in the January transfer window.

He said: "We are in the best position we can be to be able to support Keith Millen with all the financial backing he feels he needs in the coming months."

Clibbens said United increased their playing budget by 20 per cent this season but the club were still in a better financial position now than in September.

This, he said, was for a range of reasons, including strong ticket income, progress in the controversial Papa John's Trophy, about £300,000 in new Premier League money from a package to support the EFL, cash from past player sales and positive work in business trading, retail, commercial and catering departments.

"These gains have offset the increase of 20% in our playing budget for 21/22 versus 20/21 (put in place from June 2021). This is before any additional spending in the January window," he wrote.

"Our trade creditors position is good - also the best in my time here, and so our cash position continues to improve.

"Our debt position is stable."

The director also gave updates on work being done to Brunton Park, and to comment on attendances.

He said painting of west stand areas are being painted, new lights have been installed in the Neil Sports Centre and a new fleece cover is now available to protest the pitch during frost conditions.

He said some damage had been suffered during Storm Arwen, including fittings for the new mural on the west side of the ground, while vinyl wraps have been competed for Murphy's bar and the Sunset Suite.

"While spending priorities in 21/22 remain heavily weighted towards on-the-field activities and the football department, we are making improvements in the ground, although of course they are modest given the scale of the issues," Clibbens said.

He also said "significant unavoidable works on renewal of essential internal and emergency lighting in the west and east stand" is continuing.

The director said a recent safety inspection had found United's Covid safety arrangements had been "favourable".

A football-themed fans' forum with supporters present was being considered, he added, "but the game schedule is very heavy at present and the new Omicron variant of Covid also complicates matters".

On crowds, Clibbens said average home attendances are up and are currently the best at Brunton Park since 2016/17.

"They are [also] up versus the EFL and League Two trend this season - beating the experience elsewhere," he added.

"The ongoing strength of fan support in tough times is humbling. Nobody takes this support for granted. Thank you all."