Mark Hughes is back in the game after being named the new head coach at League Two club Carlisle United.

Hughes, who had spells at Rovers as both a player and manager, had been out of the sport for over a year since leaving Bradford City.

The 61-year-old has penned a “rolling contract” at Brunton Park and succeeds Mike Williams in the hot seat, with the Cumbrians sitting bottom of the table and facing the prospect of back-to-back relegations.

Hughes will work with existing coaches Chris Bell, Ian Watson and Tom Weal plus new assistant Glyn Hodges.

The new boss is taking charge of training today ahead of Saturday’s trip to Grimsby, who sit ninth in the table.

“I’m delighted that Mark has agreed to join Carlisle United,” sporting director Rob Clarkson told the club site.

"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."

In his previous role, Hughes led Bradford to the play-offs in 2022/23 but the Bantams were beaten by Carlisle in the semi-final.

The Welshman’s time at Valley Parade came to an end after a poor start to the 2023/24 campaign, sitting in 18th place.

Meanwhile, former Rovers defender Kyle McFadzean has received some positive news on the injury front.

McFadzean, who left Ewood Park last month to prolong his playing career at Chesterfield, feared his season was over after suffering a knee injury.

However, the veteran centre-back has seen a specialist and could be back on the pitch in five or six weeks.

"We have had some good news with McFadzean,” assistant manager Danny Webb told Radio Sheffield. “He will hopefully only be five to six weeks as opposed to two or three months, which is great news.”

Chesterfield are 10th in the table and four points off the play-off places heading into Saturday’s clash with Doncaster.