Carlisle United Relegated

Carlisle United have been relegated out of League 2, with one game still to play in this campaign.

It comes following a 3-2 loss at Cheltenham today, with the blues only amassing 10 wins all season.

A draw could have been enough, but Tranmere's win over Crew has secured their future in League 2. To the dismay of some Carlisle fans, Tranmere's second goal was assisted by Omari Patrick, and scored by Kristian Dennis, who just two years ago, were both on Carlisle's books.

For a club riding on the high of promotion to League 1 just two years ago, many fans may be asking, where did it all go wrong?

Departure of Carlisle's own, Paul Simpson

Having rejoined the club just two years prior, saving them from possible relegation and taking them to the lofty heights of League 1, it just didn't work out for him in the end.

Following relegation from league 1 the Carlisle man was given the full summer transfer window, signing the likes of Charlie Wyke, Ben Williams and Harrison Biggins.

It appeared the club was looking to bounce back straight back up to League 1, spending money and giving out lengthier contracts.

It didn't last though, Simpson was out of a job come August 31 following three defeats in his first four league matches.

Mike Williamson comes in

Promising a philosophy of possession based, stats led, football, Mike Williamson was the owners next choice in the hot seat.

The former Newcastle United centre back had enjoyed moderate success at MK Dons in the previous seasons, and had a proven track record in the national league, and appeared to take his style of play with him wherever he went.

Unfortunately, despite a clear shift in how Carlisle looked to play, the results did not follow, with the club only picking up just 5 wins in 25 games during Williamson's tenure.

He too was given a full transfer window to make changes as well, with Jon Mellish departing the club to sign for Wigan, and, most notably, Paul Dummett joining the blues.

He's since managed around 10 minutes in a Carlisle top before pulling up injured, although is on the recovery.

In a similar vein to Paul Simpson, he left post on February 3, the second manager departure, the second to leave just after the close of deadline day.

Mark 'Sparky' Hughes is in the hot seat

The third manager in 6 months, Mark Hughes came into post just three days after Williamson left, on February 6.

Two days later, and on trend for the season, he lost his first game, a 2-1 defeat to Grimsby town.

Having come in after the close of the window, Hughes was tied to the same tools that Williamson had at his disposal come his departure though, with the previous two managers having the luxury of a transfer window to try and rectify the season.

And, despite this, there were 'sparks' of hopes under the former Man City and Stoke boss.

The blues had not won back to back games in around two years come the start of April, this is something Hughes rectified, with a 3-2 win over Newport, 2-0 win over Morecambe and a 3-2 win over Port Vale, with a last minute penalty save in that match securing the three points.

However that was followed up by a 1-1 draw against fellow relegation threatened side Accrington, and, of course, today's result.

What's Next?

The club will spend the next season in the National League.

It will see Carlisle go from facing the likes of Bradford City, Salford and Barrow, to the likes of Eastleigh, Braintree Town and Wealdstone.

Carlisle will have the advantage of the backing of wealthy American owners the Piatak family who, for all the issues on the pitch, have invested heavily in the football operations and the off-field facilities. It's that factor, however, that led to the belief that the club could have been fighting for promotion this season.