Blackburn Rovers have agreed to host Carlisle United’s first fixture of the New Year against Plymouth Argyle on Saturday January 2nd, 2016.

With flood recovery work set to be well advanced when the two teams were due to meet at Brunton Park, discussions with Rovers and the Football League were held this week and a contingency plan was quickly put in place.

Carlisle United's club secretary Sarah McKnight said: “Everyone at Ewood Park has been absolutely fantastic. They recognise that we’re going through a tough time and they’ve been very quick to help.

“We were able to hold initial discussions on Thursday afternoon and we will now work with Blackburn Rovers and the Football League to finalise the finer details as quickly as possible.”

Rovers’ managing director Derek Shaw said: “At times like this, it is important that members of the football family stick together and so we were only too happy to help out.

“The damage sustained at Brunton Park must be truly devastating and our deepest sympathies go out to everyone connected to the club and to all those affected by the floods in the Carlisle community.”

Plymouth Argyle chief executive Martyn Starnes said: “We appreciate Rovers' generous offer of help for Carlisle in this time of need and are more than happy to play our small part in easing their burden.

“We will now liaise with Blackburn Rovers and Carlisle regarding ticket and travel arrangements for the Green Army. As soon as we have that information, we will pass it straight on.”

Shaun Harvey, chief executive of The Football League, added: “With flood recovery work continuing at Brunton Park, we’d like to thank Blackburn Rovers for offering the use of Ewood Park to ensure that Carlisle United can fulfil their first fixture of the New Year against Plymouth Argyle.

“The Football League Board has ratified the venue change and we’ll continue to liaise with all three clubs, offering any assistance required.”