Head coach Mark Hughes has left Carlisle United by “mutual agreement” after they fell short of promotion from the National League.<\/p>\n
The former Manchester United and Wales striker was unable to save the club from relegation in his first season in charge at Brunton Park after joining them in February 2025.<\/p>\n
Hughes, 62, remained with the club, charged with restoring Carlisle to League Two, but a third-place finish left them at the mercy of the National League play-offs and they were eliminated with a 2-1 home defeat by Boreham Wood in the semi-final.<\/p>\n
The Cumbrians confirmed his exit, external<\/a> in a statement on Thursday but praised the “significant progress” made last season.<\/p>\n “Mark has conducted himself with real professionalism throughout his time at Carlisle United,” said chairman Tom Piatak.<\/p>\n “We are grateful for the work he has done, the standards he brought, and the progress made during the season.<\/p>\n “Following open and respectful discussions, both parties agreed this was the right time for the club to move in a different direction.<\/p>\n “Mark leaves with our thanks and best wishes, and he will always be welcome at Brunton Park.”<\/p>\n Hughes, whose only previous managerial experience had come at international level with Wales and in the Premier League with Manchester City and Blackburn among others, made a surprise return to coaching in 2022 with Bradford City.<\/p>\n He departed with the club 18th in League Two 20 months later.<\/p>\n