Mark Hughes leaves Carlisle with Rob Elliot announced to replace him

Mark Hughes time at Brunton Park has come to an end as he leaves Carlisle United with Rob Elliot announced to replace him.

It comes following the National League playoff semi final defeat to Boreham Wood. Hughes’ side had finished the regular season sitting 3rd, with 95 points from 46 games played.

But it seems now is the time for change and his replacement, according to Jon Colman, looks to be Rob Elliot, who on Wednesday night left fellow league side Gateshead following that remarkable turnaround in form to avoid relegation last season.

(Anyone who remembers the Frank Burrows situation of 2006 will accept the usual caveats, etc. But that’s where things look to be heading) #cufc

— Jon Colman (@joncolman) May 28, 2026

Carlisle United can confirm that Mark Hughes has left his position as Head Coach by mutual agreement.

— Carlisle United (@officialcufc) May 28, 2026

The club said in a statement: “Carlisle United can confirm that Mark Hughes has left his position as Head Coach by mutual agreement.

“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.”

Carlisle United are delighted to announce the appointment of Rob Elliot as the club’s new Head Coach 🤝

— Carlisle United (@officialcufc) May 28, 2026

The club said in a further statement: “Carlisle United are delighted to announce the appointment of Rob Elliot as the club’s new Head Coach.

“Elliot, 40, joins following his recent departure from Gateshead, where he earned a reputation for building belief, creating momentum and getting results quickly. He joins the club on a rolling contract and will arrive at Brunton Park on Friday to begin work immediately.

“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.

“Former Premier League goalkeeper with Newcastle United and Republic of Ireland international, Rob, now arrives at Carlisle with a clear identity and 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.”

Rob 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.”

Chairman, Tom Piatak said: “Last season brought more stability on the pitch, a third-place finish and a squad that had started to move in the right direction.

“Rob’s appointment is about building on that progress and taking the next step. He has energy, drive and a clear sense of how he wants his teams to play.

“He has shown he can come into a football club, make an impact quickly, build belief and get players moving in the right direction.

“We have a young, athletic and dynamic squad, and we believe Rob’s leadership, communication and coaching style will suit this group well.

“He understands the importance of winning, but also the importance of building something with purpose.

“I would also like to thank everyone who has contributed throughout this process. A number of people have given their time, insight and support, and I would especially like to thank Paul Hart for his guidance and experience. His input has been valuable as we have worked through this decision carefully and professionally.

“We are excited to welcome Rob to Carlisle United and look forward to working with him.”

As part of the club’s football leadership structure, Rob will report to Marc Tierney, whose role has developed into Sporting Director.

Marc Tierney said: “We’re delighted to welcome Rob and are looking forward to working with him. He brings a positive mindset and a playing style that fits perfectly with the direction we want to move in.

“Rob encourages his teams to play with purpose, confidence, and freedom to express themselves on the pitch.

“Just as importantly, he is an outstanding communicator who will maintain high standards and understands exactly what a successful football environment should look and feel like on a daily basis.

“We believe he is an ideal fit for this squad, this club, and the long-term vision we have for the future”.

Here’s how fans reacted as Mark Hughes leaves Carlisle with Rob Elliot announced to replace him…

@cufcstuff: Whatever you think of him, there was a losing culture stinking Brunton Park out for best part of 2 years. He well and truly got rid of that, created a winning mentality and has set foundations for whoever’s next to have a real chance of success. Thank you Sparky 👏 #cufc 💙

@cufcdanny: Thanks for stabilising us Mark! We were an utter mess when he arrived. Still are in parts but on the pitch he sorted us out! Got us back to winning ways & made us love the club again. Would have been happy for him to stay if nobody else was suitable! #cufc

@james_cufc2000: Mark wasn’t everybody’s cup of tea, but you can’t deny he did do some good for the club. Did he look like the man to get us promoted? No, in my opinion but he has improved the team and got us winning. All the best Mark #cufc

@1StevieKilner: Firstly, thanks & farewell, Sparky. Stabilised a fatally holed ship & brought us Carlisle fans what we’d been starved of: victories. Fell short when it really mattered + style of play was questionable. Hope we’ll look on his tenure as important steps on a road to recovery. #cufc

@What_Sonny_Said: Rob Elliot HAS to hit the ground running

@cufcjoel: Cheers for your efforts Mark, was time for a freshen up #AnnounceElliot

@MichaelJVevers: Rob Elliott next manager… He was interviewed last season and just left Gateshead because he has higher ambitions. Personally I think what he has done at Gateshead with no money was amazing, didn’t do so well at Crawley but they also have no money and in the football league.

@cufccraig1983: Cheers sparky you seriously steadied a sinking ship, top job 🔵🔵

@cufcmike: I’d be very happy with Rob Elliott. Yes people still have PTSD from Mike Williamson, but Elliott is much more adaptable and can actually motivate people. #cufc

@D_Stokoe: Did a good job and left it in a good place for the next head coach

@Nick_Brown86: If a change was to be made we’ve done it at the right time and it gives the next man a fighting chance with a full preseason. Got to thank MH for turning us around from a team of serial losers in to a team of regular winners who came up just short in the end. Go well Sparky!

@mtuj1974: Rob Elliot – sometimes you have to take a punt. How many people looked at McNulty and said Rochdale have got a diamond there? And York fans were lukewarm at best about Maynard being appointed #cufc

@JohnRoutledge11: Very glad the decision is finally made. And the correct one imo. But find it very disrespectful people celebrating him leaving. Celebrate when a manger like Williamson leaves, not Hughes ffs. Did a class job stabilising us and getting rid of the deadwood. Cheers sparky 👋

@Grwylie: Although I think it was time to go, I do think if we appointed Hughes after the Morecambe boxing day game in 2024 , we would have stayed in league 2. This is not because I believe Hughes is a great manager just the level of how incompetent his predecessor was #cufc

@Alex_Jordan85: The right decision for all parties,thank you to Mark for stabilising the club and breaking the losing cycle we were in. Hopefully the club make the right call going forward with the new manager 🙏🔵⚪️