Carlisle United owner 'deeply sorry' for relegation
Getty ImagesThe owners of a football club have said they are "deeply sorry" over its relegation and added they have taken "fully responsibility".
Carlisle United Football Club (CUFC) were relegated from League Two to the National League after losing 3-2 at Cheltenham Town on Saturday.
The team return to the National League after a 20-year stay in the English Football League (EFL).
CUFC chairman Tom Piatak said the "frustration and anger felt across the fanbase is fully shared by us" and added the group would "not hide from the work ahead".
Mr Piatak, a businessman from Florida whose family have been in charge of Carlisle since November 2023, said the season "started with ambition and hope".
However the club were in the bottom two for all bar three days since early October.
'A painful day'
"We fell short of the standards you rightly expect," the owner continued, describing Saturday's match as a "painful day".
"Yet in the face of that, your loyalty has been extraordinary.
"From 11,000 at Brunton Park on Good Friday to almost 1,000 of you in Cheltenham today, you've never stopped showing up.
"That unwavering support is the soul of this football club."
Rex FeaturesCarlisle United boss Mark Hughes told BBC Radio Cumbria: "It's not a great moment for anyone connected with the club.
"It's difficult for everyone, not least the fans who came in great numbers again today.
"We gave it a shot and the players gave me everything, but for everyone connected it is really hard to take."
Mr Piatak added: "We will be transparent. We will be accountable. And we will not hide from the work ahead."
Meanwhile Barrow Association Football Club said it was "always nice to freshen up" its bio on X.
The club changed its description to "the only Football League Club in Cumbria".