https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/ Fri, 03 Apr 2026 22:59:05 +0000 MyBB https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=13587 Thu, 06 Feb 2025 15:04:51 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=13587
Hughes has signed a rolling contract to replace Mike Williamson who was sacked on Monday with the club bottom of League Two.

The 61-year-old, who will have Glyn Hodges alongside him as assistant coach, has been out of work since being sacked by Bradford City in October 2023.

Hughes has managed six clubs in the Premier League as well as the Wales national team after a glittering playing career.

He spent 18 months at Bradford and in his only full season in charge the Bantams finished sixth before they were beaten in the League Two play-offs by Carlisle.

That was his only managerial job outside the top-flight, having previously been in charge of a total of 466 Premier League games at Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City, Fulham, QPR, Stoke City and Southampton.

Before that, he had managed Wales for five years, leading them to a play-off for Euro 2004, but he was not able to guide them to a major tournament.

Hughes won 11 major honours during a playing career as a centre forward with Manchester United, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Southampton, Everton and Blackburn Rovers. He also won 72 caps for Wales.

'Mark will instantly command respect'
But his new job is to try to drag Carlisle away from relegation to the National League.

They are 24th in League Two, five points from safety, and he is their third boss of the season after the departures of Williamson and Paul Simpson, who left in August.

The Cumbrians have won only twice at Brunton Park all season, and brought Williamson's reign to an end after a humiliating 5-1 defeat at home by Swindon Town on Saturday.

Williamson's exit came despite bringing in 11 new players in the transfer window, backed by the club's American owners, the Piatak family.

But sporting director Rob Clarkson has acted quickly to bring Hughes in for the final 18 games of the season, starting at Grimsby Town on Saturday.

"Mark's experience and stature in the game speaks for itself," Clarkson told the club's website, external.

"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."]]>
Hughes has signed a rolling contract to replace Mike Williamson who was sacked on Monday with the club bottom of League Two.

The 61-year-old, who will have Glyn Hodges alongside him as assistant coach, has been out of work since being sacked by Bradford City in October 2023.

Hughes has managed six clubs in the Premier League as well as the Wales national team after a glittering playing career.

He spent 18 months at Bradford and in his only full season in charge the Bantams finished sixth before they were beaten in the League Two play-offs by Carlisle.

That was his only managerial job outside the top-flight, having previously been in charge of a total of 466 Premier League games at Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City, Fulham, QPR, Stoke City and Southampton.

Before that, he had managed Wales for five years, leading them to a play-off for Euro 2004, but he was not able to guide them to a major tournament.

Hughes won 11 major honours during a playing career as a centre forward with Manchester United, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Southampton, Everton and Blackburn Rovers. He also won 72 caps for Wales.

'Mark will instantly command respect'
But his new job is to try to drag Carlisle away from relegation to the National League.

They are 24th in League Two, five points from safety, and he is their third boss of the season after the departures of Williamson and Paul Simpson, who left in August.

The Cumbrians have won only twice at Brunton Park all season, and brought Williamson's reign to an end after a humiliating 5-1 defeat at home by Swindon Town on Saturday.

Williamson's exit came despite bringing in 11 new players in the transfer window, backed by the club's American owners, the Piatak family.

But sporting director Rob Clarkson has acted quickly to bring Hughes in for the final 18 games of the season, starting at Grimsby Town on Saturday.

"Mark's experience and stature in the game speaks for itself," Clarkson told the club's website, external.

"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."]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=13287 Thu, 19 Sep 2024 14:16:03 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=13287
Williamson arrives from MK Dons after Carlisle met a release clause in his contract with the Buckinghamshire club.

Carlisle owner Tom Piatak will now aim to recruit the club's first sporting director to work alongside Williamson.

The 40-year-old returns to the north of England having spent six years as a player at Newcastle United and a further five as player and manager of National League side Gateshead.

The Cumbrians sit 22nd in League Two, having lost five of their opening six league games, and visit Swindon Town on Saturday.]]>
Williamson arrives from MK Dons after Carlisle met a release clause in his contract with the Buckinghamshire club.

Carlisle owner Tom Piatak will now aim to recruit the club's first sporting director to work alongside Williamson.

The 40-year-old returns to the north of England having spent six years as a player at Newcastle United and a further five as player and manager of National League side Gateshead.

The Cumbrians sit 22nd in League Two, having lost five of their opening six league games, and visit Swindon Town on Saturday.]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=12747 Wed, 22 Nov 2023 17:33:05 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=12747
The Piatak family, from Jacksonville in Florida, have courted Carlisle extensively with club members already approving their takeover proposal.

Carlisle boss Paul Simpson has already agreed a revised budget for signings as part of the group's investment.

"We offer them a huge Cumbrian welcome," Carlisle's statement reads.

"Everyone associated with the club is delighted and looking forward to a long and successful future together."

The Cumbrians are currently in the relegation places within League One, with 14 points from 17 games so far this term, on the back of last season's League Two play-off final win over Stockport.

In securing new investment and ownership, long-standing chairman and co-owner Andrew Jenkins' tenure comes to an end, while fellow owners and board members John Nixon and Steve Pattison have also had a strong relationship with the club.

Carlisle supporters have been enthused by the opportunity of the Castle Sports Group interest given the financial muscle the family, who own a logistics firm in the United States, could bring to the League One club.

While their interest had already been piqued by the time Carlisle won promotion to League One, the Piataks were further encouraged by the potential within their investment.

In their statement, the Castle Sports Group said the investment was a "commitment to the rich history and tradition" of the club, and spoke of "optimism and enthusiasm" for the years ahead.

"This marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for the club," Tom Piatak wrote.

"We are committed to investing in in is success and building a bright future together."

The new owners will be present at Carlisle's first game since their takeover completion, against Charlton Athletic at Brunton Park on Saturday.]]>
The Piatak family, from Jacksonville in Florida, have courted Carlisle extensively with club members already approving their takeover proposal.

Carlisle boss Paul Simpson has already agreed a revised budget for signings as part of the group's investment.

"We offer them a huge Cumbrian welcome," Carlisle's statement reads.

"Everyone associated with the club is delighted and looking forward to a long and successful future together."

The Cumbrians are currently in the relegation places within League One, with 14 points from 17 games so far this term, on the back of last season's League Two play-off final win over Stockport.

In securing new investment and ownership, long-standing chairman and co-owner Andrew Jenkins' tenure comes to an end, while fellow owners and board members John Nixon and Steve Pattison have also had a strong relationship with the club.

Carlisle supporters have been enthused by the opportunity of the Castle Sports Group interest given the financial muscle the family, who own a logistics firm in the United States, could bring to the League One club.

While their interest had already been piqued by the time Carlisle won promotion to League One, the Piataks were further encouraged by the potential within their investment.

In their statement, the Castle Sports Group said the investment was a "commitment to the rich history and tradition" of the club, and spoke of "optimism and enthusiasm" for the years ahead.

"This marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for the club," Tom Piatak wrote.

"We are committed to investing in in is success and building a bright future together."

The new owners will be present at Carlisle's first game since their takeover completion, against Charlton Athletic at Brunton Park on Saturday.]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=12407 Tue, 30 May 2023 15:26:10 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=12407
The right-back played all 120 minutes of the Cumbrians' League Two play-off final triumph against Stockport.

Senior, 23, made 16 appearances for the club this season, having signed from Altrincham in January 2022.

Carlisle have offered new deals to four players including captain Morgan Feeney and Taylor Charters, who scored the winning penalty in Sunday's final.

Omari Patrick, who came on to level the game at 1-1 at Wembley, has also been rewarded with a contract, as has Kristian Dennis, the club's top scorer with 21 goals.

Others let go by Paul Simpson's side include midfielders Jamie Devitt and Brennan Dickenson, with the latter having been sidelined with a long-term ACL injury.]]>
The right-back played all 120 minutes of the Cumbrians' League Two play-off final triumph against Stockport.

Senior, 23, made 16 appearances for the club this season, having signed from Altrincham in January 2022.

Carlisle have offered new deals to four players including captain Morgan Feeney and Taylor Charters, who scored the winning penalty in Sunday's final.

Omari Patrick, who came on to level the game at 1-1 at Wembley, has also been rewarded with a contract, as has Kristian Dennis, the club's top scorer with 21 goals.

Others let go by Paul Simpson's side include midfielders Jamie Devitt and Brennan Dickenson, with the latter having been sidelined with a long-term ACL injury.]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=11599 Wed, 10 Aug 2022 12:38:49 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=11599
The 34-year-old left the Lilywhites at the end of last season having spent 10 years at Deepdale.

"I've made no secret of the fact that I wanted a senior player to come in at the back," boss Paul Simpson said.

"This has been a long process to get us to this point. I've bided my time and thankfully that's paid off for us."]]>
The 34-year-old left the Lilywhites at the end of last season having spent 10 years at Deepdale.

"I've made no secret of the fact that I wanted a senior player to come in at the back," boss Paul Simpson said.

"This has been a long process to get us to this point. I've bided my time and thankfully that's paid off for us."]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=11593 Sun, 07 Aug 2022 07:22:49 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=11593
The 29-year-old was hurt during training just before the start of the Blues new campaign and will spend at least eight months on the sidelines.

"He needs an ACL reconstruction," manager Paul Simpson told BBC Radio Cumbria following their 1-1 draw against Colchester.

"We're hoping the operation will happen soon so we can start his recovery."

Dickenson has made 54 appearances and scored three goals in all competitions in his two seasons at Brunton Park.

"He's a real asset, he had a great pre-season, and he was showing me that he deserved to start," Simpson added.

"But now he's got a lot of work to do and we need to help him stay strong.

"Our job is to look after him because I imagine he's having a really tough time at the moment."]]>
The 29-year-old was hurt during training just before the start of the Blues new campaign and will spend at least eight months on the sidelines.

"He needs an ACL reconstruction," manager Paul Simpson told BBC Radio Cumbria following their 1-1 draw against Colchester.

"We're hoping the operation will happen soon so we can start his recovery."

Dickenson has made 54 appearances and scored three goals in all competitions in his two seasons at Brunton Park.

"He's a real asset, he had a great pre-season, and he was showing me that he deserved to start," Simpson added.

"But now he's got a lot of work to do and we need to help him stay strong.

"Our job is to look after him because I imagine he's having a really tough time at the moment."]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=11349 Thu, 19 May 2022 16:15:19 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=11349
The 24-year-old has spent the past five seasons with Annan Athletic, scoring 15 goals in 148 appearances for the Galabankies.

Boss Paul Simpson told the club website: "It's one we've been working on in the background probably, if I'm going to be honest with you, since the day I decided I was staying.

"I'm really pleased that I've got it all agreed."]]>
The 24-year-old has spent the past five seasons with Annan Athletic, scoring 15 goals in 148 appearances for the Galabankies.

Boss Paul Simpson told the club website: "It's one we've been working on in the background probably, if I'm going to be honest with you, since the day I decided I was staying.

"I'm really pleased that I've got it all agreed."]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=11272 Mon, 09 May 2022 16:39:35 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=11272
Forward Alessandra, 33, joined from Morecambe in 2020 and went on to make 86 appearances for the club.

He scored 12 goals during his time at Brunton Park, two of which came from his 26 appearances this season.

The club has also activated a further year in Morgan Feeney's contract.

The defender, 23, made 42 appearances this season, his breakout campaign after joining from Sunderland in January 2021.

Carlisle, who finished 20th in League Two in 2021-22, have also offered new deals to Taylor Charters, Brennan Dickenson, Magnus Norman and Joe Riley.]]>
Forward Alessandra, 33, joined from Morecambe in 2020 and went on to make 86 appearances for the club.

He scored 12 goals during his time at Brunton Park, two of which came from his 26 appearances this season.

The club has also activated a further year in Morgan Feeney's contract.

The defender, 23, made 42 appearances this season, his breakout campaign after joining from Sunderland in January 2021.

Carlisle, who finished 20th in League Two in 2021-22, have also offered new deals to Taylor Charters, Brennan Dickenson, Magnus Norman and Joe Riley.]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=11218 Fri, 29 Apr 2022 17:58:56 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=11218
The 55-year-old returned for a second spell in charge of the Cumbrians in February, steering them to safety.

Simpson led England to the Under-20 World Cup title in 2017 and earned back-to-back promotions to League One with Carlisle in 2004-05 and 2005-06.

"We all feel this is a project for the longer term, and not just a quick fix," said chairman Andrew Jenkins.

"Paul has stated quite clearly that he wants to improve aspects of the club on and off the field, and we share that vision."

Arriving with the club second-bottom in the table, after an eight-game winless league run, Simpson guided Carlisle to six victories from his first seven matches in charge.

While form has since dipped, the club sit 20th and 13 points clear of the already-relegated bottom two.]]>
The 55-year-old returned for a second spell in charge of the Cumbrians in February, steering them to safety.

Simpson led England to the Under-20 World Cup title in 2017 and earned back-to-back promotions to League One with Carlisle in 2004-05 and 2005-06.

"We all feel this is a project for the longer term, and not just a quick fix," said chairman Andrew Jenkins.

"Paul has stated quite clearly that he wants to improve aspects of the club on and off the field, and we share that vision."

Arriving with the club second-bottom in the table, after an eight-game winless league run, Simpson guided Carlisle to six victories from his first seven matches in charge.

While form has since dipped, the club sit 20th and 13 points clear of the already-relegated bottom two.]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=8981 Thu, 14 Nov 2019 18:19:22 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=8981
The Cumbrians are 19th in the fourth tier, but have won two of their past three games in all competitions.

The 46-year-old leaves after Tuesday's 3-1 Leasing.com Trophy loss at Morecambe, having beaten non-league Dulwich Hamlet in the FA Cup on Friday and Macclesfield Town the week before.

The club's remaining coaches will take charge of the first team temporarily.

"Steven has given his all and has worked tirelessly since the day he joined us," chairman Andrew Jenkins said in a statement.

"We understand the challenges and have supported him throughout, but we haven't seen the evidence of progress we expected or needed to see.

"This is not something we can allow to continue, so sadly it is time to change, move on and look forward."

The former Coventry City, Fleetwood Town and Falkirk boss succeeded John Sheridan when he left to become Chesterfield manager with the side sixth in League Two, three points off the automatic promotion places.

Carlisle finished the season in 11th place, three points away from the play-off spots, as they won just four league games between February and the end of the season.

Pressley rebuilt the squad over the summer as 14 players left, while he made 10 new signings and brought in five loan players.

But the new-look squad has struggled this in 2019-20, losing 12 of their 23 matches in all competitions and registering just five wins in the league.

Pressley's side have won just one league game since the end of September.]]>
The Cumbrians are 19th in the fourth tier, but have won two of their past three games in all competitions.

The 46-year-old leaves after Tuesday's 3-1 Leasing.com Trophy loss at Morecambe, having beaten non-league Dulwich Hamlet in the FA Cup on Friday and Macclesfield Town the week before.

The club's remaining coaches will take charge of the first team temporarily.

"Steven has given his all and has worked tirelessly since the day he joined us," chairman Andrew Jenkins said in a statement.

"We understand the challenges and have supported him throughout, but we haven't seen the evidence of progress we expected or needed to see.

"This is not something we can allow to continue, so sadly it is time to change, move on and look forward."

The former Coventry City, Fleetwood Town and Falkirk boss succeeded John Sheridan when he left to become Chesterfield manager with the side sixth in League Two, three points off the automatic promotion places.

Carlisle finished the season in 11th place, three points away from the play-off spots, as they won just four league games between February and the end of the season.

Pressley rebuilt the squad over the summer as 14 players left, while he made 10 new signings and brought in five loan players.

But the new-look squad has struggled this in 2019-20, losing 12 of their 23 matches in all competitions and registering just five wins in the league.

Pressley's side have won just one league game since the end of September.]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=8461 Mon, 06 May 2019 15:43:31 +0000 Devongone]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=8461
Defenders Gerrard, 33, and Liddle, 32, made 44 and 45 appearances respectively in all competitions.

Jason Kennedy, 32, leaves after an injury-plagued spell, and Gary Miller, also 32, departs after a single season.

Richie Bennett, George Glendon, Arthur Gnahoua and Peter Grant also exit.

Glendon, 24, only joined Carlisle last summer, while Bennett, 28, had been on-loan at Morecambe.

Grant, 25, and Gnahoua, 27, are released after short-term deals.

Club captain Danny Grainger has retired, but Pressley is hopeful of retaining Jamie Devitt, Louis Gray, Mike Jones, Tom Parkes and Stefan Scougall after offering them new deals.

For Chesterfield fans - would Liddle do a job in the National League? Arthur Gnahoua might - he was pretty good at Kidderminster.]]>
Defenders Gerrard, 33, and Liddle, 32, made 44 and 45 appearances respectively in all competitions.

Jason Kennedy, 32, leaves after an injury-plagued spell, and Gary Miller, also 32, departs after a single season.

Richie Bennett, George Glendon, Arthur Gnahoua and Peter Grant also exit.

Glendon, 24, only joined Carlisle last summer, while Bennett, 28, had been on-loan at Morecambe.

Grant, 25, and Gnahoua, 27, are released after short-term deals.

Club captain Danny Grainger has retired, but Pressley is hopeful of retaining Jamie Devitt, Louis Gray, Mike Jones, Tom Parkes and Stefan Scougall after offering them new deals.

For Chesterfield fans - would Liddle do a job in the National League? Arthur Gnahoua might - he was pretty good at Kidderminster.]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=8033 Wed, 16 Jan 2019 14:53:29 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=8033 https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=6939 Wed, 06 Jun 2018 08:38:22 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=6939 https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=6727 Tue, 08 May 2018 14:17:15 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=6727
Outgoing manager Keith Curle, who has opted not to stay at Brunton Park next season, was part of the process with chairman Andrew Jenkins.

Three midfielders - Reggie Lambe, Samir Nabi and John O'Sullivan - were let go.

Goalkeeper Morgan Bacon, defender Tom Miller, winger Jamal Campbell-Ryce plus strikers Shaun Miller and Cameron Salkeld are also looking for new clubs.

Seven players - midfielders Nicky Adams, Jordan Holt, Luke Joyce and Jack Egan, defenders Mark Ellis, Danny Grainger and Clint Hill - have all been offered new terms and will receive a written offer of a contract from the club within the next seven days.

In veteran former Tranmere Rovers, Crystal Palace, QPR and Rangers veteran Hill's case, that would take him past his 40th birthday.

Nine other players - Richie Bennett, Jamie Devitt, Kelvin Etuhu, Hallam Hope, Mike Jones, Jason Kennedy, Gary Liddle, Tom Parkes and Cole Stockton - are all under contract until the end of the 2018-19 season.

Carlisle's five loan players - Jack Bonham, James Brown, Louis Gray, Ashley Nadesan and Kris Twardek - have all returned to their parent clubs.

After leading Carlisle to the League Two play-off semi-finals in 2016-17, Curle's hopes of a repeat after four straight wins in February were ended by a run of just two wins in their last 10 matches as the Cumbrians missed out by eight points.

"I met the players with the chairman to give them the opportunity to express how they think their season has gone," said Curle.

"Different managers do things different ways, but I like to see the players face-to-face and give them comments and opinions to help them further their career, whether that's still at this club or somewhere else. There was a lot of honesty, which I think is the best way to deal with players."]]>
Outgoing manager Keith Curle, who has opted not to stay at Brunton Park next season, was part of the process with chairman Andrew Jenkins.

Three midfielders - Reggie Lambe, Samir Nabi and John O'Sullivan - were let go.

Goalkeeper Morgan Bacon, defender Tom Miller, winger Jamal Campbell-Ryce plus strikers Shaun Miller and Cameron Salkeld are also looking for new clubs.

Seven players - midfielders Nicky Adams, Jordan Holt, Luke Joyce and Jack Egan, defenders Mark Ellis, Danny Grainger and Clint Hill - have all been offered new terms and will receive a written offer of a contract from the club within the next seven days.

In veteran former Tranmere Rovers, Crystal Palace, QPR and Rangers veteran Hill's case, that would take him past his 40th birthday.

Nine other players - Richie Bennett, Jamie Devitt, Kelvin Etuhu, Hallam Hope, Mike Jones, Jason Kennedy, Gary Liddle, Tom Parkes and Cole Stockton - are all under contract until the end of the 2018-19 season.

Carlisle's five loan players - Jack Bonham, James Brown, Louis Gray, Ashley Nadesan and Kris Twardek - have all returned to their parent clubs.

After leading Carlisle to the League Two play-off semi-finals in 2016-17, Curle's hopes of a repeat after four straight wins in February were ended by a run of just two wins in their last 10 matches as the Cumbrians missed out by eight points.

"I met the players with the chairman to give them the opportunity to express how they think their season has gone," said Curle.

"Different managers do things different ways, but I like to see the players face-to-face and give them comments and opinions to help them further their career, whether that's still at this club or somewhere else. There was a lot of honesty, which I think is the best way to deal with players."]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=6660 Thu, 26 Apr 2018 20:45:49 +0000 themaclad]]> https://www.sportsbabble.co.uk/showthread.php?tid=6660