Asked if they would consider boycotting selected league games at Brunton Park, some 331 voted "yes". There were 114 "no" votes and six undecided. 73% of the CCUIST membership returned their ballot papers and the vote will be seen as an overwhelming vote of no confidence in the current United regime.

Additional votes also went heavily in favour of boycotting United. 91 per cent said they would boycott all club merchandise with 98 per cent in favour of a petition against current owner Michael Knighton and 80 per cent saying they would not support Mr Knighton or any member of his family retaining a minority shareholding in the future.

Alan Steel, secretary of CCUIST, said: "We are appalled but not surprised by the actions of the club. Last season the club bought the Warwick Road Spar Shop and paid £30,000 to a former director in severance pay. Those two amounts alone would have paid the wages of the sacked players until Christmas."

Commenting on the club's press release, which blamed the trust for the decision to sack the players, Mr Steel said: "To try and blame the financial state of the club on a protest which at that stage had not even been agreed, never mind enacted, is nonsensical. The important thing is the fans don't believe it. The accusation will only discredit further the people who run the club.

"A lot of people have said they don't want to do this, but it is the only meaningful protest that is going to be effective. People have given great thought to this. A lot of people are extremely concerned about what they are having to do, but I think they will stick to it."

CCUIST are considering organising events, such as a march, to coincide with home matches. The first home fixture is against Luton on August 11.

Atkins not ready to give up United - yet

Ian Atkins has denied that he is about to join Cardiff City, saying : "I'm still Carlisle United manager."

It was widely reported over the weekend that the popular Carlisle boss had accepted the position as Director of Football at Ninian Park. Cardiff chairman Sam Hammam indicated as much to supporters at a meeting on Thursday night.

Atkins has spent the weekend mulling over Cardiff's offer and was on his way down to South Wales today for further talks. Some believe he may be waiting on the outcome of takeover talks at Carlisle before making his mind up.

He still has other irons in the fire, with offers from Torquay and Tranmere also being considered.

"I'm still manager of Carlisle United and if things don't work out with the other clubs then I will remain manager of Carlisle United. But now I have to think of my own interests and those of my family because Carlisle have given me permission to talk to clubs and because of what happened last week."

The club sacked four players - Steve Soley, Carl Heggs, Steve Halliday and Lee Maddison - refused to sign Daryl Clare, who had already agreed a contract and withdrew new offers to Tony Hopper, Gordon Connelly and Jamie Squires.

If Scott Dobie completes a move to West Brom, they will be left with only four players on their books who have made more than 10 full league appearances. They could be forced to field seven teenagers against Luton in their first match, as things stand.

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