At 61, Mark Hughes is far from winding down his football career.
Despite his legendary status at clubs like Manchester United, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich, he’s currently facing one of his toughest challenges yet—saving Carlisle United from the brink of relegation in League Two.
His commitment to the cause sees him taking on a grueling routine, including long drives and early mornings, to turn things around for the struggling club.
The Grueling Commute and The Drive for Success
Every week, Hughes sets his alarm for 5:45 am, starting his day with a two-hour drive from Cheshire to Carlisle.
It’s a long, solitary journey, filled with no radio distractions—just him and the M6 motorway.
“No radio presenter talking about cheese on toast,” Hughes laughs, emphasizing his focus during the trip.
After charging his electric car along the way, he finally arrives at the club’s Brunton Park by 8:30 am.
Though the early wake-up call might seem daunting, Hughes insists it’s no hardship.
In fact, it’s only slightly earlier than his usual routine.
The day ahead is filled with meetings, gym sessions, and preparing for training before returning to his rented house in Carlisle for the evening.
But why is a former football giant like Hughes putting himself through this?
The Hunger for the Game That Drives Mark Hughes
For Hughes, it’s all about his unrelenting passion for football.
After nearly three years away from management, the opportunity to take over at Bradford City in February 2022 reignited his love for the game.
“I didn’t know if I’d have the energy and desire,” he admits, but by the end of the first week, he knew this was where he belonged.
Even after a disappointing stint at Bradford, Hughes was eager to get back into management and embrace the challenge at Carlisle.
“The chance of Mark coming here three or four years ago was next to nil,” says Tom Piatak, Carlisle’s American owner.
Piatak, impressed by Hughes’s commitment, was quick to seal the deal when Hughes expressed interest.
The Challenges of Managing a Struggling League Two Side
Carlisle’s predicament is no easy task, with the club sitting just two points above the relegation zone in League Two.
The squad has been bloated, with 48 players on the roster, many of whom are not fit enough to play a full 90 minutes.
This has created a difficult situation for Hughes, who is still working out which players are best suited for the challenges ahead.
“It was done with good intentions,” Hughes reflects on the previous management’s decision to sign so many players, but now he must figure out how to make them gel.
Additionally, Hughes has to deal with the fallout of a manager change—Mike Williamson’s passing philosophy left a team that wasn’t equipped to execute his vision.
Hughes, on the other hand, is trying to instill a more balanced, pragmatic approach, despite the limitations of the current squad.
The Importance of the Barrow Match and League Two Rivalries
This week’s fixture against Barrow looms large as a crucial Cumbrian derby, and Hughes knows the significance of the match.
Barrow, with their own strong rivalry with Carlisle, would love nothing more than to push their neighbors closer to the relegation door.
Hughes’s calm, focused demeanor in front of the media contrasts with the intensity of the situation, yet his belief in the team never wavers.
Though Carlisle’s league position is worrying, Hughes stays optimistic.
“Let’s go for it,” he says, fully aware that this could be a turning point for the club’s fortunes.
His attention to detail in preparing the team for the match is a testament to his passion and desire to succeed.
Carlisle’s Hope in Their American Owners
One factor that’s keeping Hughes at Carlisle is the club’s ownership.
The Piataks, a Florida-based couple, have shown a strong commitment to the club, even spending a month at a time in the city.
They’ve made significant improvements to the club’s facilities, transforming parts of the stadium and even engaging in talks with the council to secure a 99-year lease for a new training ground.
Despite the positive changes off the pitch, it’s the on-field results that have been disappointing.
The Piataks are hopeful that Hughes can help steer the club away from relegation.
“We’re obviously not pleased with that. I’m shocked we’re 24th in the league,” says owner Tom Piatak.
For Hughes, though, it’s not just about the financial investment—it’s about the joy of coaching and the challenge of saving the club from relegation.
A Big Win and the Hope for More to Come
After a difficult start, Hughes’s side delivered a massive 1-0 win against Barrow.
The victory, which came after a stunning goal by Matthew Dennis, was celebrated as if it were a major upset, considering Carlisle’s form.
The win brought an exuberant traveling support of over 900 fans, and Hughes was quick to embrace his players and celebrate with them.
For Hughes, this victory was a reminder of why he does what he does.
“It’s great fun, isn’t it?” he says, reflecting on the thrill of leading his team to success.
When it goes the right way, there’s nothing like the feeling.
It’s nothing like when you’re a player, but it’s the next best thing.”
Mark Hughes’s Relentless Pursuit of Success at the Bottom of the Football Pyramid
Despite the challenges and long hours, Hughes remains committed to the cause.
His passion for the game is clear as he continues to push forward in a lower league, hoping to turn things around for Carlisle.
For fans and pundits alike, the question remains—why would a man with such a rich footballing history continue to fight at the lowest level of English football?
For Hughes, the answer is simple. “This is what I’ve always done,” he says, his hunger for success as strong as ever.
With the right support and a bit of luck, Hughes believes Carlisle can escape relegation and begin to build something positive for the future.