Carlisle United owner gives update on Hughes talks and 'review'

Yahoo

09-05-2025

Carlisle United owner Tom Piatak has said the Blues aim to conclude talks with Mark Hughes next week.
The Blues chairman also said the club want to resolve the "football leadership positions" before announcing its retained and released list.
And Piatak confirmed that season ticket information for 2025/26 would be revealed on Saturday ahead of sales opening on Monday.
The American businessman, though, did not confirm whether United would be continuing with the sporting director position in the wake of Rob Clarkson. He also gave no confirmation about the club considering candidates other than Hughes for the head coach role.
Piatak issued an official update through Carlisle's website, nearly a week on from the end of the Blues' relegation season.
It amounts to the first formal comment from the hierarchy since United's 2024/25 campaign came to a close, with Carlisle now facing National League football.
Piatak, opening his statement, said he acknowledged that fans are "eager for updates", and he said that a "full, top-to-bottom review" of the club was under way.
He said the present focus was on the football side of the club, with other "operational" aspects of United to follow later.
The most pressing matters concern the head coach position, with the club still in talks with Hughes whilst also "reviewing" the sporting director role.
"Discussions with Mark Hughes are ongoing, and we aim to reach a conclusion next week," said Piatak.
"We are also reviewing the sporting director role carefully. We intend to learn from recent experiences, respond to what this review is uncovering, and make the structural improvements required for long-term success.
"Once the football leadership positions are confirmed, those individuals will oversee the retained and released list.
"That list is not due until May 17, and it's important the right people make those decisions."
Some 11 players are out of contract at Brunton Park as the wait for decisions goes on.
On season tickets, meanwhile, Piatak said: "Sales will open on Monday, and full details will be shared tomorrow [Saturday]."
The businessman, whose family through Castle Sports Group have owned United since November 2023, added: "Our full, top-to-bottom review of Carlisle United is well under way.
"Right now, our immediate focus is on the football department - performance, recruitment, culture, and structure.
"While operational aspects will follow, football is the clear priority.
"The findings from this review are already shaping the decisions being made and guiding the changes now happening behind the scenes. I'll be in a position to share more detail in the coming weeks.
"I understand the appetite for swift action. But we must get this right. We're taking the time necessary to make the correct decisions - deliberately and diligently."
Piatak, immediately after relegation was confirmed two weeks ago, said the review would cover all aspects of the club and that there would be "no sacred cows" when it came to decision-making.
Jenna DeMasi, left, responded to fans on X on Friday afternoon (Image: Richard Parkes)
His statement also comes on the same day daughter and director Jenna DeMasi used social media to deny rumours that players had been asked to choose the next head coach. She also said that the "review" was being conducted thoroughly, hence the time being taken before the outcomes are known.
I know supporters are eager for updates following the conclusion of the season last weekend. As promised, we will continue to communicate transparently and directly with you.
Our full, top-to-bottom review of Carlisle United is well underway. Right now, our immediate focus is on the football department - performance, recruitment, culture, and structure. While operational aspects will follow, football is the clear priority.
The findings from this review are already shaping the decisions being made and guiding the changes now happening behind the scenes. I'll be in a position to share more detail in the coming weeks.
I understand the appetite for swift action. But we must get this right. We're taking the time necessary to make the correct decisions - deliberately and diligently.
Discussions with Mark Hughes are ongoing, and we aim to reach a conclusion next week.
We are also reviewing the Sporting Director role carefully. We intend to learn from recent experiences, respond to what this review is uncovering, and make the structural improvements required for long-term success.
Once the football leadership positions are confirmed, those individuals will oversee the retained and released list. That list is not due until 17 May, and it's important the right people make those decisions.
As for season tickets - sales will open on Monday, and full details will be shared tomorrow. Your support and loyalty have been remarkable, and we are doing everything in our power to build a club you can be proud of - both on and off the pitch.
Thank you for your continued patience and belief.
Tom Piatak