Carlisle United from League Two has appointed Mark Hughes, the ex-manager of Wales, Blackburn Rovers, and Manchester City, as their new head coach, marking his unexpected return to management. The 61-year-old veteran takes over from Mike Williamson, who was sacked after a significant 5-1 defeat to Swindon left Carlisle at the lowest position in the league. The team has garnered 21 points from 28 matches this season and is currently five points away from safety. Hughes brings extensive experience, having managed nearly 700 games, including over 500 in the Premier League with clubs like Blackburn, Manchester City, Fulham, Stoke, Queens Park Rangers, and Southampton until 2018. Additionally, he has some League Two experience from his time at Bradford, which concluded in October 2023, leaving him without a position since then. Glyn Hodges will join Hughes as the assistant coach, and they are set to start their roles with training on Thursday ahead of the match against Grimsby on Saturday. Carlisle’s sporting director, Rob Clarkson, expressed his excitement on the club’s website, saying, “I’m thrilled that Mark has decided to come on board with Carlisle. His level of experience and reputation in the sport are exceptional.” He is an individual who will quickly earn respect from both staff and players, and I am genuinely looking forward to collaborating with him. “The players we currently have will fit well with his style of play, and I believe our supporters will fully back him and the team in the final 18 matches.” After retiring from playing in 2002, Hughes transitioned into a management role. Throughout his career, he achieved a total of 779 professional appearances, with 458 of those being for United.
