A family from Florida have completed the takeover of Carlisle United Football Club.
The new owners are Castle Sports Group, founded and run by the Piatak family from Jacksonville, Florida.
The takeover, which has been approved and confirmed by the English Football League, follows months of speculation about a possible deal.
The family business is led by logistics businessman Tom Piatak alongside his wife Patty and their children.
Tom served as a US Army Corps captain during the Gulf War before becoming the chief executive of Magellan Transport Logistics, based in Jacksonville. The firm posted net revenue of over $400 million in 2022.
Since launching Castle Sports Group in 2006, Tom and Patty have become experienced partners in professional sport, working with teams in the NFL and NBA leagues in America.
The group’s takeover of League One club Carlisle United has been welcomed by fans, and following last season’s play-off promotion, there is confidence and optimism about the future – despite a run of poor results on the pitch.
In a statement confirming the deal, Tom and Patty Piatak said: “After a thorough and meticulous process, we are excited to usher in a new era for the club and its dedicated fanbase.
“This acquisition represents a commitment to the rich history and tradition of Carlisle United, and we are eager to build upon the club’s legacy. Our family has worked diligently to ensure a smooth transition, and we are grateful for the cooperation of all parties involved in making this deal a reality.
“As we take the helm of Carlisle United, we are filled with optimism and enthusiasm for the future.
“We believe in the potential of the club and its players, and we are dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence both on and off the pitch.
“Our vision is to elevate Carlisle United to new heights and create a lasting legacy that resonates with the community and supporters.
“Together, we aim to create a football club that not only competes at the highest level but also serves as a source of pride for the local community.”
It sounds too good to be true – but if the Piatak’s achieve their aims for the club, it could bring huge economic and community benefits for the city and wider region. Why would an experienced investor in professional sports take on a small club such as Carlisle unless they were certain of achieving their aims?
The potential for this new era of Carlisle United is exciting and the optimism of the club’s dedicated – and growing – fanbase is evident.
Home matches are drawing some of the largest crowds in the club’s league history, and the army of fans travelling to away matches often makes headlines across football news forums.
The club’s 2023 kit deal with Umbro has been immensely popular, with the club shop selling out of home and away kits almost immediately in August on release.
The Piatak’s attended their first game in May 2023 against Bradford City in the first leg of the play-off semi-final and were frequent visitors to Brunton Park throughout the team’s successful promotion campaign.
Tom and Patty’s daughter, Jenna Piatak, said: “We’ve been able to get to know the city and the area, and we’ve really fallen in love with the countryside.
“The whole city of Carlisle has welcomed us with open arms and we’re excited to properly start our journey together.”
Tom Piatak is clear about his first task as the new owner, working with the club’s popular team manager Paul Simpson.
Tom said: “The number one priority – stay in League One.
“We’ve talked about budget and agreed on what that should be and what that level is.
“We’re actively now talking to Paul about what his plans are short-term and in the January window.
“He’s a great manager – I believe the best manager in the EFL – and we’re going to trust him.”
Carlisle is a world away from Jacksonville, but the enthusiasm and objectives of the new owners may well bring some Florida sunshine to a proper community football club that has spent too long in the shade.
