Hughes to stay as Carlisle boss in National League

Carlisle United manager Mark Hughes will remain with the club following their relegation from League Two to the National League.

Hughes took over at Brunton Park in February after Mike Williamson was sacked, with Carlisle five points from safety and 18 games remaining.

The former Wales, Manchester City and Fulham boss could not keep the club in the league, however, and they were finally relegated after defeat at Cheltenham Town in their penultimate game of the season.

“Since joining back in February, the support I’ve received from the fans has been exceptional – thank you,” Hughes told the club website.

“I hope to see more of the same next season as we aim for an immediate return to the EFL.”

“Mark brought the squad together during the closing stretch of the season and gave us a fighting chance,” chairman Tom Piatak added.

“His leadership, composure, and connection with the players was clear, and we’re confident in his ability to lead us forward.”

Despite their relegation, Hughes reinvigorated his side for the end-of-season run-in as they lost just once at home under his tenure and won three consecutive games for the first time in more than two years.

A run of 10 points from four games in April came too late to pull them out of trouble, however, with Hughes wanting to remain in post despite the drop into non-league football.

Analysis – BBC Radio Cumbria sports editor Paul Newton

He may not have been able to keep Carlisle United up – and there are some in the fanbase who feel he had enough time to do so – however, the retention of Mark Hughes has been roundly welcomed in the city.

Carlisle were a mess on the pitch when he took over in February. Hughes was quick to recognise an unfit, top-heavy squad and was ruthless where needed.

Performances and, to an extent, results did improve towards the back end of the campaign while Hughes was also able to forge a connection with a fractious and disconnected fanbase.

While those are clear positives to his appointment, there are negatives given a lack of experience managing at National League level and no promotion to his name.

Carlisle’s significant financial backing under their American owners, the Piatak family, will mean there is an expectancy for United to bounce back at the first attempt.

Whether Hughes can deliver that remains to be seen.