Latest news with #MarcTierney
ITV News
15 hours ago
- Sport
- ITV News
Carlisle United's Head of Football Operations discusses plans ahead of new season
Carlisle United's newly appointed Head of Football Operations believes that the future is looking positive for the Blues as they look to bounce back to the English Football League at the first attempt. Marc Tierney was appointed into the senior role in Carlisle United's backroom team joining from his previous role as Director of Football at fellow National League side Altrincham. The former defender spent time on loan at Brunton Park between 2004 and 2005. Speaking to ITV Border about what his role at the football club will include the 39-year-old said: "Yeah it is Head of Football and in terms of football there are lots of different departments. "I think everyone just thinks of the first team and working with first team coaches but it is really quite a broad brush stroke. That includes medical, academy there are a number of multifaceted roles with in it. "I just can't wait to get in and try and make things better by working with different people in different departments." Tierney said the role at Carlisle United was one he could not turn down. He said: "I think when you look at the size of the club, having been here a few years ago now, the vision of the club, the ambition and the fan base makes it really attractive. "Since I have been in the role other people have thought it is attractive when you spell out what the vision is and what we are looking to do. It has not disappointed since walking through the door." Tierney believes that the ongoing work behind the scenes at Brunton Park is putting the club in a good position moving into the new season. Tierney said: "First and foremost - Tom and Patty - it was really refreshing to see them when I was here for my first week being first in and last out of the club and really putting the work in. "They are really welcoming people, really humble people and honoured to have this role at the football club. Talking about his discussions with United's Head Coach, Tierney said: "When meeting Mark, I had come across him in professional roles before, but meeting him he is a good person. "Obviously his football knowledge is huge and he has been successful as a manager and as a player and I think that mix of all of us communicating and working together bodes well for the football club."
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hughes: Blues must be up for 'messy' National League test
Carlisle are targeting a successful season in the National League after relegation (Image: Ben Holmes) Mark Hughes says Carlisle United must approach the 'messy' nature of the National League in the right way. The Blues boss says that respecting the tough nature of fifth tier football is all important. While Hughes has said Carlisle will be one of the biggest clubs at the level, the National League remains a furiously competitive division. Advertisement And even those at the lesser end of the division can pose problems on any given day, the head coach says. Hughes says he has been drawing on the experience of new head of football operations Marc Tierney for some further insights into Carlisle's new level. 'We've got a good understanding of it,' said Hughes, who yesterday sealed the signing of Altrincham striker Regan Linney. 'Marc Tierney himself has got good experience on the National League with his experience at Altrincham. Obviously, I've been picking his brains on that. Hughes says the competitive nature of the National League must be respected (Image: PA) Advertisement 'The reality is it's a difficult league. Everybody knows it. Probably the top five, top six of the league are comparable to League 2 teams certainly. 'Maybe the rest of the league isn't quite as strong but on any given Saturday or Tuesday night, all teams can cause you problems. 'You've just got to really approach it in the right manner. That's the message. 'We've got to realise that at times it'll be a bit messy. It'll be a fight, it'll be a challenge. 'We've just got to be able to meet that and then allow hopefully the quality that we've undoubtedly got in the building to show through.' Advertisement Carlisle know 22 of their 23 league opponents for the 2025/26 season, with the final side to be confirmed tomorrow afternoon, with Oldham Athletic set to take on Southend United in the National League play-off final at Wembley Stadium. FLASH SALE: Get unlimited access to every Carlisle United article by subscribing to the News & Star for £3 for 3 months, or get 40% off a full year's subscription - click HERE
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Carlisle United chief Tierney drops assistant hint
New head of football operations Marc Tierney has hinted that Glyn Hodges will be staying at Carlisle United as Mark Hughes' assistant. Tierney, in his first interview via the club's official channels, referred both to Hughes and Hodges as he looked forward to starting his role at Brunton Park. The new United figurehead, who joined from Altrincham last week, spoke about working closely with the coaches in the collective effort to drive Carlisle forward. 'If you look at our head coach, Mark Hughes, he has a wealth of experience, and Glyn,' said Tierney. 'I just can't wait to get started and working with them.' United's announcement of Hughes' retention on Monday did not mention his backroom team, but it would be a surprise if Hodges, his long-standing No2, was not by his side in 2025/26. It also remains to be seen whether Jamie Devitt will remain in his first-team coach role. Tierney, meanwhile, has spoken of how he wants to help 'drive standards' in his new role at Brunton Park. He also says he feels he can help Carlisle prepare for the particular challenges of life in the National League, and believes recruitment is his 'forte'. Tierney says that 'knowing the level' is important and also referred to the way he has learned his trade in scouting and recruitment under people like Nicky Butt at Salford City. 🗣 We sat down with our new Head of Football Operations, Marc Tierney. In the first of a three part interview, Marc spoke about his background and excitement at joining Carlisle United. 🎥 You can watch the full interview for free on CUTV. You just need to be logged in. — Carlisle United FC (@officialcufc) May 20, 2025 'Knowing what good looks like at this level and helping in recruitment areas…[that is] one of my fortes,' he said. Tierney added that having experience of the fifth tier can be 'hugely valuable' and he said a relegated EFL club such as Carlisle must have no 'snobbery' about the level. He added: 'Look at clubs like Rochdale, Oldham, Southend – big clubs in their own right. Once you get in [to the National League] you want to get out. 'You can't sleepwalk in. You've got to know the league and respect it. READ MORE: What's in Mark Hughes' in-tray at Carlisle United? 'I think I can help dig into the recruitment side of things, to help the betterment of club, and [the aim is to] raise standards in every department.' In his CUTV interview, Tierney also referred to some of his contacts, such as Newcastle United sporting director Paul Mitchell, and the former Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman, who now works at Saudi club Al-Diriyah. The new United man said he has done the 'hard yards' of scouting in the lower leagues, and said he also feels the club's academy is a 'huge area to capitalise on'. On his move from Altrincham to Brunton Park, meanwhile, the 39-year-old said he was 'straight up here like a shot' when the role became available. He said his spell as a loan player with Carlisle in 2004/05 had left a positive impression on him and he had always hoped to return. Tierney added that he had watched United 'a few' times last season and was particularly struck by the 'special' support they received by fans. 'Once you understand what it means to play for Carlisle, it's good to come back and I think I can help the club and push us forward,' he added. He said of his time at Altrincham last season that he was pleased to play a part in their ninth-placed finish, 'the third highest in the club's history' and said he had had a good 'collaborative' working relationship with the head coach, as well as the club's hierarchy. 'It felt a good time to move on in my career and come to club with such a profile as this one – a huge one in my heart and mind,' he added. The CUTV interview can be found here.
