20-05-2025
Wales great Mark Hughes stays at Carlisle in National League
The 61-year-old joined the big-spending Cumbrians in early February but was unable to steer them away from the drop in League Two.
Hughes had only managed clubs in the Premier League - Blackburn, Manchester City, Fulham, QPR, Stoke and Southampton - until he took a job in the fourth tier with Bradford in 2022.
He failed to take the Bantams up and left the following year, with Carlisle then tempting him to Brunton Park after a chaotic season that started with Paul Simpson at the helm and then saw Mike Williamson have a brief spell in charge.
Hughes lost a crucial game against Newport County AFC at Rodney Parade 1-0 at the start of his reign before a Carlisle comeback for a 3-2 success against the Exiles up north gave them hope of a great escape.
However, they fell well short with County slumping to the last safe spot but still having a seven-point advantage to Carlisle, who are joined in dropping to the National League by Derek Adams' Morecambe.
The Cumbrians suffered only one home defeat at Brunton Park under Hughes and also secured three consecutive victories for the first time in over two years, with the boss hoping they pick up where they left off.
'I am thrilled to be staying at the club,' he said. '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.'
Carlisle chairman Tom Piatak is confident former Manchester United and Barcelona forward Hughes can turn things around at Brunton Park as the club look to get promoted again from the National League.
'Mark brought the squad together during the closing stretch of the season and gave us a fighting chance,' Piatak said.
'His leadership, composure and connection with the players was clear, and we are confident in his ability to lead us forward.'
