LOOK HUGHES READY FOR A CRACK!

A PREMIER League legend will be coming to a National League ground near you next season — but he's only planning a fleeting visit.

- Jon Couch

Mark Hughes the former Manchester United, Barcelona and Chelsea striker has committed himself to continue in the hotseat at Carlisle United, just weeks after the Cumbrians slipped into Non-League for the first time in over two decades.

After arriving in Febru ary ahead of the League Two end-of-season run-in, Hughes reinvigorated his side. They lost just once at home under his tenure and won three consecutive games for the first time in more than two years.

Four games in April yielded ten points but it all came too late to pull them out of trouble and the Cumbrians dropped back into the fifth tier, joining Morecambe in losing their EFL status.

Despite relegation, Hughes has helped reconnect the club with a disillusioned fanbase and news of his retention has been roundly welcomed in the city.