Mark Hughes: Carlisle United boss agrees to stay on in National League

Analysis – BBC Radio Cumbria sports editor Paul Newton

He may not have been able to keep Carlisle United up – and there are some in the fanbase who feel he had enough time to do so – however, the retention of Mark Hughes has been roundly welcomed in the city.

Carlisle were a mess on the pitch when he took over in February. Hughes was quick to recognise an unfit, top-heavy squad and was ruthless where needed.

Performances and, to an extent, results did improve towards the back end of the campaign while Hughes was also able to forge a connection with a fractious and disconnected fanbase.

While those are clear positives to his appointment, there are negatives given a lack of experience managing at National League level and no promotion to his name.

Carlisle’s significant financial backing under their American owners, the Piatak family, will mean there is an expectancy for United to bounce back at the first attempt.

Whether Hughes can deliver that remains to be seen.