THE uncertainty surrounding the future ownership - and managership - of Carlisle was set to be made clearer today.

Current owner Michael Knighton had called an afternoon press conference, just hours before the Cumbrians' clash at Bootham Crescent tonight.

Knighton has reportedly been on the verge of selling the club to businessman John Courtenay since the turn of the year and it is hoped today's conference will determine whether the deal will still go through.

The long-running saga took a twist at the weekend when Carlisle manager Roddy Collins was sacked after he made a plea for the proposed sale of the club to be decided this week.

Youth team coach Billy Barr, once a target for City, has been placed in temporary charge of the Cumbrians for tonight's match but their preparations were further hindered by assistant manager John Cunningham and coach Tony Elliott following Collins out of the door.

Courtenay meanwhile has insisted he is still hopeful his takeover will go through before the end of the week and pledged to reinstate Collins once he is in control.

Updated: 11:08 Tuesday, April 09, 2002