Carlisle United’s head coach Mark Hughes has left his position.
Carlisle United issued a statement this afternoon saying Hughes had left by mutual agreement.
It added: “The club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to Mark for his professionalism, commitment and leadership during his time at Brunton Park.
“Last season marked significant progress, with the side finishing third in the Enterprise National League with 95 points, and reaching the play-offs.
“While everyone connected with the club was disappointed not to achieve promotion, Mark played an important role in stabilising the team and helping to move the club forward.”
Chairman Tom Piatak said: “Mark has conducted himself with real professionalism throughout his time at Carlisle United.
“We are grateful for the work he has done, the standards he brought, and the progress made during the season.
“Following open and respectful discussions, both parties agreed this was the right time for the club to move in a different direction.
“Mark leaves with our thanks and best wishes, and he will always be welcome at Brunton Park.”
First team coach Frankie McAvoy will also depart the club.
Carlisle United said: “We would like to thank Frankie for his service and contribution during his time at Carlisle United.”
Carlisle United have moved quickly to replace Hughes.
Within hours of announcing that Hughes was leaving the post, United have announced the appointment of Rob Elliot as his replacement.
Football watchers in the north had already produced Elliot’s name as the potential successor to Hughes, linking his recent departure from Gateshead to the vacant United job.
Elliot had done a fine job at Gateshead, keeping them in the National League, so it was a bit of a surprise to see him leave the north east club.
When Hughes’ departure was revealed, the name of Elliot immediately came into the frame with fans.
Elliot, 40, earned a reputation for building belief, creating momentum and getting results quickly at Gateshead.
Across two spells with the Heed, Rob led the club to a sixth-place finish in the National League and experienced FA Trophy success at Wembley.
He later returned in difficult circumstances, with the club 11 points from safety, and helped guide them away from relegation trouble to secure their fifth-tier status.
He joins Carlisle on a rolling contract and will arrive at Brunton Park tomorrow to begin work immediately.
A former Premier League goalkeeper with Newcastle United and a Republic of Ireland international, he arrives at Carlisle with strong ideas on how he wants his teams to play.
The club believes this is the right time to move forward with someone who can build on the progress made last season, bring added drive and intensity, and develop a tactically flexible, front-foot, attacking team that plays with purpose, creates chances and connects with supporters.
Elliot said: “This is a huge club and opportunity, and I’m really excited to get started.
“I want us to play attacking, aggressive football with and without the ball. We want to win, we want the players to enjoy it and want the fans to be excited to turn up and watch a team that plays good football with an identity but more importantly gives absolutely everything for the badge.
“We want to be adaptable. We want to get to know and understand the players we have to get the best out of them on the training ground and in games. We want to have a clear plan when coming up against opposition. But we always want to be positive, aggressive and brave.
“I really like the owners’ vision for the club. Carlisle is a one club city and that matters. I know what it feels like when a football club is at the heart of a city, how important it is that the team represent the fans, people and the community.
“I know how much this means to the Piatak family too. And they want the best for not just the club but the community as well.
“Everyone I have spoken to at the club has been excellent with me. There is a strong squad, there is young talent coming through and there is a real opportunity to build something that people can feel part of.
“This is a brilliant football club, with real ambition, and a fantastic fanbase – I can’t wait to get started.”
