Mark Hughes stays at Carlisle United as head coach
Mark Hughes is staying at Carlisle United.
The Blues have announced that the head coach has agreed to remain in charge ahead of the 2025/26 season.
It follows more than two weeks of talks since the end of the season that saw the Cumbrians relegated to the National League.
The 61-year-old will now lead United's bid to bounce back next season.
"I'm thrilled to be staying at the club," said Hughes in a statement.
"Since joining back in February, the support I've received from the fans has been exceptional - thank you.
"I hope to see more of the same next season as we aim for an immediate return to the EFL."
Owner Tom Piatak added: "Mark brought the squad together during the closing stretch of the season and gave us a fighting chance.
"His leadership, composure, and connection with the players was clear, and we're confident in his ability to lead us forward.'
Tom Piatak, left, believes Hughes is the man to lead Carlisle back from successive relegations (Image: Richard Parkes)
Hughes was brought in as United's third boss of the season in February after the successive departures of Paul Simpson and Mike Williamson.
He was unable to keep the Cumbrians in the EFL but earned popularity with many fans for his approach and an improvement in results.
The experienced former Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City and Bradford City boss was at the helm for 18 games, winning five, drawing six and losing seven.
United's statement does not clarify Hughes' backroom staff but it will be expected that his No2, Glyn Hodges, will remain.
Clarity is also awaited on the rest of his coaching team, with Jamie Devitt having acted as first-team coach during Hughes' tenure last season.
Confirmation of Hughes' retention came hours after Carlisle announced the departure of head of recruitment Greg Abbott.
It also follows the departure of Rob Clarkson as sporting director, and last week's appointment of Marc Tierney as head of football operations.
Hughes and Tierney will now be expected to work closely in an attempt to reverse Carlisle's decline on the pitch after back-to-back relegations.
The Blues are preparing to play in the fifth tier for only the second time.
The news on Hughes comes some 23 days after United's relegation was confirmed, and 16 days after the final game of the 2024/25 campaign.
Hughes is understood to have been away on holiday for some of the intervening period, while Blues owner Tom Piatak had stressed that talks with the Welshman were "ongoing" during that period as United sought a resolution.
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