League Two's Carlisle United have secured the services of former Wales, Blackburn Rovers, and Manchester City manager Mark Hughes as their new boss, with the former Manchester United forward making a surprise return to management.

The experienced 61-year-old steps in following the dismissal of Mike Williamson, after a heavy 5-1 loss to Swindon put Carlisle at the rock bottom of the league standings. The team have picked up 21 points from their 28 games so far this season and are five points adrift of safety.

Hughes brings a wealth of experience from managing almost 700 matches, notably with more than 500 in the Premier League teams like Blackburn, Manchester City, Fulham, Stoke, Queens Park Rangers, and Southampton back in 2018.

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He also has experience at the League Two level from his stint at Bradford, which ended in October 2023 and he's been out of a role since then.

Glyn Hodges will be accompanying Hughes as assistant coach, and they will begin their tenure with training on Thursday before taking on Grimsby on Saturday.

Carlisle's sporting director Rob Clarkson expressed his enthusiasm on the club's official website, stating: "I’m delighted that Mark has agreed to join Carlisle.

"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 turned to management following his retirement from playing in 2002. As a player, he made a total of 779 professional appearances with 458 of those coming in a United shirt.