Mark Hughes is tasked with guiding Carlisle United to an immediate promotion from the National League
16:32, 30 Jun 2025Updated 16:32, 30 Jun 2025
Mark Hughes guided Bradford City to the League Two play-offs but they lost over two legs to Carlisle.
Mark Hughes is preparing to start his first full season as Carlisle United manager.(Image: Michael Driver/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Mark Hughes will start life in the National League with out his long-serving right-hand man Glyn Hodges.
Hodges spent four-and-a-half years with Hughes at Stoke City as well as working with him at Wales, Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City, Queens Park Rangers and Bradford City.
He had joined him at Carlisle United for the final three months of last season as they were handed a rescue mission at the wrong end of League Two and had been expected to stay on and help plot their immediate return after relegation to the National League.
But instead Hodges has announced he is stepping away and Hughes has brought in former Preston North End manager Frankie McAvoy as his new first team coach, as well as ex-Carlisle coach Gavin Skelton.
Hodges said: “After careful consideration, I’ve decided to step away from my current role.
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“The commute has significantly impacted on my work-life balance, and I believe it’s time to prioritise a healthier daily routine, along with family commitments.
“I’m grateful for the experiences and opportunities I’ve been given by (owners) Tom, Patty and the Piatak family and wish them well, as well as Mark and the team for the coming season.”
Carlisle have been installed as early bookies' favourites to win the National League title, followed by York City and Forest Green Rovers, who have recently appointed Hughes' old Stoke number two Mark Bowen as director of football.
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