June
Newsfile

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Atkins has been reported as being in Cardiff arranging a flat and has been quoted as saying

"The Cardiff fans are aggressive and passionate. That's part of the attraction of joining the club - seeing Ninian Park full of people who love their football rather than a virtually empty ground.

"Don't get me wrong. Carlisle is a magnificent club with a tremendous fan base. It could be on a par with Cardiff if it was in the right hands.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and it will be a big wrench to leave. But after managing to avoid relegation last season it looks like another year of struggle for them.

"Like Cardiff, they are a club with tradition. But unless things are sorted out I fear they will struggle to survive."

"If the players work exceptionally hard we will get on well. If their standards drop below those I have set myself they might have problems."

But this afternoon reports are suggesting he has not completed the move yet. A spokesman for Carlisle Utd said

"As far as we are concerned Ian Atkins is still the manager of Carlisle United."

Confirmation either way will follow.