Last updated 11:41, Tuesday, 08 July 2008

HALLELUJAH! The takeover saga is finally over.

David Allen: New chief executive

So we have now have ‘The Fab Four’ at the helm. It will be interesting to see how things develop, for now we must get behind them and give them a chance. They have stated that it is their aim to establish Carlisle United in The Championship. Only time will tell if they can achieve their goal.

Considerable thanks should go to Fred Story. His period as owner was one of outstanding success both on and off the field. He restored the club’s credibility within the football league family and will be a tough act to follow.

One of the first items on their agenda will be the Joe Garner situation. They need to take a tough stance. He is only 20 and has two years left on his contract, so there is no immediate threat of losing him on a ‘Bosman’, a subject the club seems obsessed about.

Those now in charge need to hold their nerve and say to any potential suitors: ‘He’s our player and if you want him you will have to pay enough to wipe out our current debts, which amount to £1.5 million, to secure his signature.”

He is injured now, but I have no doubt he will come back as good as before, if not better, when he returns to first team action around Christmas. The player I liken him to most is Alan Smith; similar in attitude, temperament and ability. I really think he is that good.

£500,000 for Garner? Like Westwood, that would be another absolute steal.

Just last week, Stockport sold Liam Dickinson, a former non-league striker with no League One experience to Derby for £750,000. Peterborough want £3 million for Aaron McLean, who is similar in those respects to Dickinson and now wants to leave.

If United cash in on their prize asset, what message does it send out to those shining stars left behind such as Danny Livesey, David Raven, Simon Hackney and Danny Graham? Or indeed the fans? Or other clubs? A distinct lack of ambition.

The board must move swiftly and decisively to appease the rumblings of discontent from the likes of ‘Concerned of Currock’, ‘Disgruntled of Denton Holme’ and ‘Livid of Longtown’.

They should use part of any funds generated from transfer activity to recruit a proven goalscorer on the ascendancy such as Steve Gillespie, Andy Bishop or Chris Dagnall.

Or make a big-name signing who genuinely wants to play for the club, initially on a short term deal and pay them decent wages. Plenty are available on free transfers –Andy Cole, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Darren Huckerby, Trevor Sinclair and Paul Dickov, for instance.

How about bringing back Michael Bridges? I’m sure he’d jump at the chance. Why not speculate to accumulate?

Any such action would get the supporters back onside and draw in the crowds.

I hope those new guys at the top at Carlisle United are listening.

CHRIS AYRES