Carlisle United have chosen their new chief executive, but it's unclear when they will start work at Brunton Park. The Blues have confirmed that their chosen candidate is currently undergoing the vetting process overseen by the new Independent Football Regulator.

What happened?

The club engaged specialist recruitment consultancy Executives In Sport Group to lead the search for a successor to Nigel Clibbens, who held the role for nearly a decade. The successful candidate would have a strong track record and senior leadership experience in football, United said. Owner Tom Piatak told the News & Star that the Blues wanted the new CEO to be the right fit to lead the club for the next ten years.

Why it matters for Carlisle

The appointment is currently going through the Independent Football Regulator process, which is an update to the fit and proper person test. As the IFR bill passed through Parliament, it said that prospective owners and directors of clubs will have to undertake and pass tests before buying or joining a club. Carlisle, in confirming their search for a new CEO after Clibbens' departure, said they wanted someone to lead the club through a new growth phase and who would have the specific skill set for that task.

What comes next?

The club said they had received a positive response to their search for a new CEO and, amid signs that an appointment is close, provided an update via the latest supporters' groups meeting. With the National League season ongoing, Carlisle United are currently 3rd in the league with 95 points, 29 wins, 8 draws, and 9 losses from 46 games, and a recent form of WWWDD. The team's last result was a 1-2 loss to Boreham Wood on 2026-05-03. The new CEO will play a key role in shaping the club's future, and their appointment is eagerly anticipated by fans.