By Malcolm Nugent - CUOSC

Three wins from the last four league games has Blues fans buzzing again as we go into the New Year.

And with the prospect of some new faces in the squad for Saturday’s home clash with Bradford everyone is hoping we are finally putting a poor start to the season behind us.

Top priority has to be to move away from the relegation zone and the club have agreed to make available whatever finances boss Keith Millen needs to do that.

CUOSC want to see change of control in the boardroom as much as any fan but credit where credit is due. There won’t be too many teams at our level with a ‘transfer kitty’.

The board also announced last month they are seeking ‘credible new potential investors.’ Some fans complained that that doesn’t mean the club is up for sale.

But, surely, it is all in the interpretation.

The directors are unlikely to ‘sell’ their shares having consistently insisted in the past they would transfer them at no cost to the right investors.

They demonstrated this in the deal initially outlined with Edinburgh Woollen Mill before it eventually collapsed. EWM would have had overall control with only Andrew Jenkins and CUOSC remaining on the board with diluted shareholdings.

You would expect any realistic new investors would want to take control and CUOSC understands there are ‘parties’ out there interested.

However, before things can move forward talks have to take place about the outstanding £2.4million debt.

The money was loaned by EWM and has been novated to Purepay Retail. The club say they have entered discussions with Purepay and will be hoping to negotiate a settlement plan.

If you have any questions CUOSC will be holding our regular supporters’ surgery before Saturday’s game – in the study centre, next to the club shop between 1.30 and 2.30pm. Please wear masks inside the building. Alternatively, email www.cuosc.org.uk

The Christmas foodbank collection, which we had to postpone twice during December, will also take place before the match.

Please bring tins of food, packet soup, milk and toiletries etc to the collection point in the study centre.

The appeal is being supported by the club and fans can also drop off items at the ticket office until tomorrow (Friday).

It’s the first game at Brunton Park for over a month and there’s likely to be a good crowd. Let’s make it a bumper collection as well.

Everything collected will be handed over to Carlisle Foodbank who try to provide three days of emergency food for people in crisis.