Mark Hughes appointed as Carlisle United head coach
He joins the club in the midst of a relegation battle.
Last updated 6th Feb 2025
Carlisle United have appointed Mark Hughes as the club's new head coach.
The 61-year-old joins the side at the bottom of the football league, five points off safety in League Two.
He has a wealth of experience having been on the touchline for close to 700 games during his managerial career, with over 500 in the Premier League.
Hughes has managed the Welsh national team, Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City, Fulham, QPR, Stoke City and Southampton in the Premier League, as well as most recently managing Bradford City in Sky Bet League Two.
As a player, he started his career with Manchester United before also featuring for the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Southampton, Everton and Blackburn Rovers.
He won numerous trophies during his playing career, including the FA Cup, UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, League Cup and the Premier League.
Hughes will be joined at Brunton Park by new assistant coach Glyn Hodges and both have signed rolling contracts.
They will take charge of Thursday's training session ahead of Saturday's trip to Grimsby.
Sporting director Rob Clarkson said:
“I’m delighted that Mark has agreed to join Carlisle United.
"His experience and stature in the game speaks for itself. He is someone who will instantly command respect from all staff and players and I am really excited to work with him.
"The players we have here will suit the way he wants to play and I’m sure our fans will really get behind him and the team in our remaining 18 games."