- Mark Hughes has been without a job since a short spell with Bradford City
- Mail Sport revealed that Gerrard was considered by Carlisle’s American owners
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League Two side Carlisle United have appointed former Manchester City and Blackburn boss Mark Hughes as their new head coach.
This week, Mail Sport exclusively revealed that the bottom-of-the-table side were considering the shock appointment of Steven Gerrard, following his exit from Saudi Arabian outfit Al Ettifaq.
The club’s American owners dismissed Mike Williamson on Monday following a dismal run of the form that has seen the side plummet to the foot of the fourth tier, eight points from safety.
Despite interest in Gerrard, who has also had managerial stints with Rangers and Aston Villa, ex-Bolton boss Ian Evatt was the favourite for the job but the club have opted to make the equally surprising appointment of Hughes, who has been without a club since a short spell with Bradford City ended in 2023.
‘I’m delighted that Mark has agreed to join Carlisle United,’ said Cumbrians’ sporting director Rob Clarkson in a club statement on Thursday.
‘His experience and stature in the game speaks for itself. 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 enjoyed a glittering playing career with the likes of Manchester United, Barcelona, Chelsea and Bayern Munich before he began his managerial career in 1999.
His first role came with the Wales national team before successful tenures at Ewood Park, the Etihad and Stoke City.
The 61-year-old will be joined at Brunton Park by new assistant coach Glyn Hodges, with both on rolling contracts. Hodges has assisted Hughes at a number of clubs during their coaching career having first joined forces for Wales in 2004.
Gerrard, meanwhile, will have to wait for his next opportunity in management following an uninspiring spell in the Saudi Pro League.
In his first managerial role following a stellar playing career that saw him lift nine trophies, Gerrard lead Rangers to a first Scottish Premiership title in 10 years.
The 44-year-old succeeded Dean Smith at Villa Park in November 2021 but departed 11 months later following 13 wins in 40 games.
In his first season at Al Ettifaq, which does not benefit from government funding, he guided his new side to sixth and revolutionised their off-field set-up.
However, despite signing a new contract last year, he left by mutual consent with the team placed 12 out of 16, having won 23 of 59 matches.
