It's the news Carlisle United fans have been waiting for - the Piataks' takeover of the Blues is now complete.

The Brunton Park club are now in the hands of the American business family.

Carlisle confirmed the deal had been finalised in a short statement this afternoon.

It said: "Carlisle United Football Club can now confirm that following EFL approval, the ownership and control of the club has changed.

"The new owners of the club are Castle Sports Group, owned by the Piatak family from Jacksonville, Florida, USA.

"We offer them a huge Cumbrian welcome to Carlisle United.

"Everyone associated with the club is delighted and looking forward to a long and successful future together.

"#OWNTHENORTH"

It brings a successful end to months of talks - and sees the Blues at the cusp of a new era.

The Piataks, via their Castle Sports Group company, have pledged to invest in the club on and off the pitch.

The Florida business people - Tom snr, Patty, Tom II, Alice, Jenna and Nick - are flying into the UK tomorrow ahead of Saturday's game against Charlton Athletic at Brunton Park.

They will attend the game which will now be the first under their ownership.

It sees a change of control at the top of Brunton Park for the first time since 2008, with long-serving Cumbrian owners Andrew Jenkins, John Nixon and Steven Pattison no longer in ownership positions.

The deal sees Castle Sports Group take 90 per cent control of United's holding company CUFC Holdings, with supporters' trust CUOSC's voting stake diluted from 25.4 per cent to ten per cent.

The News & Star first revealed the Piataks' interest in the Blues with an exclusive story in August and, two months later, the Americans are now in charge of the League One club.

The Piataks had long targeted the Charlton game as a major date in the process, having recently announced a resolution to United's £2.6m debt situation with Purepay Retail Limited and completed other aspects of the transaction ahead of EFL approval, which has now been granted.

The family are set to meet the media later this week and at a press conference next week but, in the meantime, have released a statement via Castle Sports Group's social media channels.

They said they were "thrilled" to have sealed the takeover and pledged a "commitment to the rich history and tradition" of the Blues.

The Piataks said they are "filled with optimism and excitement" for the future at Brunton Park, and were determined to "foster a culture of excellence" on and off the pitch, aiming to elevate the club to "new heights".

Tom Piatak snr said: "We are delighted to have completed the takeover of Carlisle United Football Club.

"This marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for the club, and we are committed to investing in its success and building a bright future together.

"We extend our sincere gratitude to the fans, staff and everyone involved in making this transition a reality."

The Piataks say they want to "engage" with the local community and make United a source of pride in the area.

They are also calling for a "sell-out" crowd for the Charlton game this weekend.