Late on Friday, Carlisle United announced the signing of Ugandan defender Bevis Mugabi on a two-year deal.
Mugabi, 30, arrives after a playing in Cyprus with Anorthosis, where he played 17 times and scored two goals.
Who Is Bevis Mugabi?
Born in England, Mugabi represents Uganda internationally. He’s made 20 appearances his country and scoring on one occasion.
The defender spent his youth career with Fulham and Southampton, before moving to Yeovil Town in the summer of 2016. He became a first team regular and fan favourite at Huish Park, where he went on to make 102 appearances and scoring 5 goals.
Bevis then made the move to Scotland when signing for Motherwell in 2019. He would go on to make 125 appearances for the SPFL side over a five-year spell and scoring 7 goals in his time in Scotland.
What Has Been Said?
Head of Recruitment, Martin Foyle said: “Bevis is an experienced defender and he is an excellent addition to the squad.
“He brings a wealth of experience from Scotland, abroad and international football, and he has a fantastic attitude which will help to drive the standards even higher on and off the pitch.”
My Thoughts On The Move
This is a signing that makes a lot of sense. Mark Hughes wanted to strengthen in defence and with the addition of Mugabi he will now have a strong pool of defenders to choose from for the coming season.
Mugabi has experience at club and international level which could be valuable in this Carlisle side that made need some guidance at times.
Us at Paddock Perception would like to wish Bevis well on his arrival at Brunton Park and we hope his time with the club is successful.
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Carlisle United today announced the signing of the versatile 26 year old Josh Grant. Grant, who spent the 2024/25 season playing for now fellow National League side Wealdstone, has joined the Blues on a 1 year contract following a trial spell having turned down a new deal with the Stones.
Grant spent 13 years in the youth setup at Chelsea and represented England at U18 and U20 level, having loan spells in the EFL with Yeovil and Plymouth before joining League One side Bristol Rovers on a 3 year contract, he went on to make 101 appearances for the Gas, scoring 5 goals in the process.
Grant is regarded as a dynamic and versatile player who can operate in both defense and midfield, and will add some much needed competition in these areas for United in the upcoming National League season
Head of Football Operations, Marc Tierney said: “Josh is a dynamic and versatile midfielder who brings valuable EFL experience to Brunton Park, as well as having previously represented Chelsea at youth level.
“After an impressive week training with the squad, he’s already making his mark and is an exciting new addition to the team.”
Head of Recruitment, Martin Foyle said: “I’ve watched Josh over the years and he has the quality to take us back to the level where we want to be. Now we have real competition for places in the midfield area.
“We’re all looking forward to working with Josh and we’re delighted to have got this deal over the line.”
What Will Josh Grant bring to Carlisle?
Grant strikes me as an interesting signing, after having spent a good period of time at Bristol Rovers and largely being well thought of at the Memorial Stadium, he eventually dropped down to National League level to play for Wealdstone as they endured a tough 2024/25 campaign, finishing just above the drop zone in 20th. Wealdstone supporters have largely expressed their disappointment at his departure however, indicating that Grant may have been one of the shining lights in the side despite their struggles.
Grant comes in as the type of player that Carlisle will benefit from however, with the club lacking real depth in the middle of the park following the departures of Callum Guy, Josh Vela and Taylor Charters, as well as Sean Fusire returning to Sheffield Wednesday and Will Patching being loaned out to Coleraine.
Grant’s versatility could be a big asset to the Blues next season too, with his ability to also slot into defensive areas too if the need arises, his previous EFL experience is also a bonus and will make an extension enticing should Carlisle be able to make the swift return to League 2 that they’re aiming for.
We at Paddock Perception would like to offer Josh a warm welcome and wish him a thoroughly successful spell at the club.
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With Carlisle United’s first pre-season game to be played tomorrow us at Paddock Perception wanted to give you a run down of who Mark Hughes’ side is playing and when.
The fixtures have been an interesting choice with one team from Scotland, one team from League Two and the others from further down the football pyramid than the blues themselves.
Motherwell
On Tuesday 8th July, kick off time at 2pm, Carlisle will get their pre-season underway as they travel across the border to SPFL side Motherwell. This game will be played behind closed doors but will be the first chance for the team to gel with the new signings.
AFC Fylde
On Saturday 19th July, kick off time at 3pm, the blues will travel to National League North side Fylde. This will be the first “proper” game of pre-season and a chance for the fans to see how the team are looking ahead of the new season.
South Shields
On Tuesday 22nd July, kick off time at 7.45pm, the Cumbrians make the short trip to the North East to play National League North side South Shields. This will be another chance to see how the team is coming together ahead of a big season for Mark Hughes and his team.
Harrogate Town
On Saturday 26th July, kick off time at 3pm, Carlisle will face their toughest game of pre-season when they travel to League Two side Harrogate. This will be a real test to see what level the players are at while playing a team that has always been a thorn in their side.
Chester
In the final game of pre-season on Saturday 2nd August, kick off at 3pm, Mark Hughes takes his side to National League North side Chester. Chester lost out on promotion to the National League last season in the final to Scunthorpe so this will be a good test to see the level of the team before the start of the National League season.
A Summary Of The Fixtures
Personally I would’ve liked to have seen Carlisle play more teams higher up the leagues to really test the level of the side against better outfits but pre-season is mainly about fitness and the players gelling as a team and hopefully these fixtures will serve that purpose for Mark Hughes’ side ahead of a massive season.
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The transfer window is well and truly open at Brunton Park and Mark Hughes has already made five new signings so far this summer. There has only been one outgoing so far and removing some players may be difficult due to long contracts and some players being on a lot of money for non-league level.
The inability to move some players on may force Mark Hughes to use players he may not have wanted to initially. Today I’m going to look at three forgotten men that could be given a lifeline at Brunton Park.
Cedwyn Scott
The 26-year-old striker was signed by Mike Williamson in January and saw a lot of game time under Williamson but since Mark Hughes’ arrival it was obvious that Scott was not in the manager’s plans. From March until the end of the season Scott was an unused substitute once.
Scott has a great pedigree of scoring goals in non-league after his time with Gateshead and Notts County and this could come in very useful if he’s called upon.
Luke Armstrong
The 29-year-old striker has found his time at Brunton Park very tough and has been criticised heavily by the supporters in his time at the club. Armstrong has had had spells with Hartlepool and Harrogate where he scored lots of goals but found goals hard to come by at Carlisle.
Armstrong was sent out on loan to SPFL side Motherwell in January and he impressed in his time there scoring 4 goals in 14 appearances. He was another player like Scott that Mark Hughes obviously didn’t want to use but given his long contract he may be hard to move on and could be used next season in the National League.
Ethan Robson
The 28-year-old midfielder was signed last summer with a lot of expectation but due to injuries never really got a chance to get going in a Carlisle United shirt. Robson was sent out on loan to Gateshead in January but only managed to make 3 appearances before getting injured and was sent back to Brunton Park to rehab his injury.
The midfielder if he can stay fit could be add some quality to Mark Hughes’ side. Robson has the ability to create and score goals if given the chance but it will all depend on his fitness levels.
These are just three players that I’m unsure if they will get a move away which will then lead to Mark Hughes potentially using them at some point. Is there anyone you think we have missed? Please let us know!
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With the release date for the new season’s fixtures less than a week away and with the new kits belling launched this week, I think it’s safe to say that we are all looking forward to the new season and a fresh start.
After back-to-back relegations which has seen Carlisle United drop in to the National League I am now at a point of thinking things can only improve after what we have endured the last couple of years.
Today, I’m going to be looking at three players I’m expecting to hit the ground running for Mark Hughes’ side this upcoming season.
Callum Whelan
The 26-year-old was one of very few positives last season in my opinion and had a real creative spark in a team that lacked it. He found himself in dangerous areas and was good on set pieces. His experience in the National League and his technical ability could make him a valuable player if the Cumbrians are wanting to bounce straight back to the EFL. Whelan scored twice and recorded one assist after joining in January last season.
Stephen Wearne
The 24-year-old impressed in certain games last season and looked the blues’ main goal threat at times. His ability to arrive in the box at the right time and find space on the edge of the area will only lead to more chances for him. He is experienced at National League level and knows what it takes to be successful at that level and that will stand him in good stead for this upcoming season. Wearne scored twice and recorded two assists last season after joining in January.
Regan Linney
The 28-year-old is a well established goalscorer at non-league level having scored massive amounts of goals for FC United of Manchester and Altrincham. His work ethic and run making will cause opposition defenders huge problems. He has the ability to score a variety of goals and can find the net from many different positions. Linney scored 43 league goals in two and a half seasons at Altrincham and I expect him to continue his great scoring record for Mark Hughes’ side this upcoming season.
Us at Paddock Perception would like to thank our readers for over 1,000 views in the first month of us publishing our articles. We will be producing a lot more content as the season begins which will include match previews, match reviews, player ratings and bringing you all Carlisle United news as quick as we can.
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Frankie McAvoy (Left), Mark Hughes (Centre) and Gavin Skelton (Right)
Carllisle United yesterday released an update on the club’s coaching staff for the upcoming season, with Mark Hughes’ previous assistant Glyn Hodges leaving the club due to family commitments.
Speaking after leaving Brunton Park, Glyn said: “After careful consideration, I’ve decided to step away from my current role. The commute has significantly impacted on my work-life balance, and I believe it’s time to prioritise a healthier daily routine, along with family commitments.
“I’m grateful for the experiences and opportunities I’ve been given by Tom, Patty and the Piatak family and wish them well, as well as Mark and the team for the coming season.”
Who is Hodges’ replacement, Frankie McAvoy?
Hodges’ position was quickly filled by Frankie McAvoy, taking the role of first team coach under Mark Hughes. McAvoy brings a good amount of experience to the club, having worked as a coach under Alex Neil at Hamilton Academical, Norwich City and Preston North End. McAvoy also had a stint as head coach of Preston, following a successful spell as interim manager, winning 14 out his 33 games in charge of the club.
He then had a spell at Hearts as Academy Director in 2022, before being assisting Steven Naismith as head coach a little over a year later. Earlier this year in March, McAvoy joined AFC Fylde as interim assistant coach before departing the club following Fylde’s relegation from the National League.
Gavin Skelton returns to the Blues.
Yesterday also saw a return to Carlisle for Gavin Skelton, who makes a comeback less than a year after leaving the Cumbrians alongside then manager Paul Simpson after a long spell as assistant manager to names such as Keith Millen, Chris Beech and Steven Pressley.
Skelton has left Hartlepool to facilitate his return to the club, having been a first team coach at the Pools since November 2024.
Head of Football Operations, Marc Tierney said: “We are happy to support Mark Hughes with the additions of Frankie and Gav to the coaching team.
“Frankie brings coaching experience in the National League and above, as well as valuable knowledge and insight to our coaching setup which will be a real asset for the season ahead.
“We are also delighted to welcome Gav back to Brunton Park. He is someone who knows Carlisle well and has strong ties to the club.
“Bringing Gav in is an important step towards building a strong and effective team around the players.
“We’re confident this coaching group will provide the support and expertise needed for a successful season.”
What do these appointments mean for Carlisle United?
This news will certainly have raised a few eyebrows among Carlisle United fans, with Glyn Hodges’ having came to the club alongside Mark Hughes and United fans will certainly feel like they’re losing a big figure in the regime that gave the side a real fighting chance of staying up towards the end of the 2024/25 season. Another question mark is the fact that Hughes hasn’t worked with either McAvoy or Skelton before, which suggests that these appointments are largely being driven by other individuals rather than Hughes himself.
McAvoy does unquestionably bring with him some good experience at multiple levels of the game however, having worked in the Championship, SPL and National League at various stages of his career, which will hopefully be a boost to the club going forward.
Gavin Skelton’s return is another decision which will almost definitely split opinions, as a large portion of the fanbase were happy to see him leave the club last year, after being a part of multiple different coaching regimes which ultimately failed to deliver.
With that said however, Skelton undoubtedly knows Carlisle inside and out, and is blue through and through, so he will bring the level of experience, knowhow and passion that could help really reconnect the fanbase to the club after a tough couple of years at Brunton Park.
We at Paddock Perception would like to thank Glyn Hodges’ for his time at Carlisle United, and wish Frankie McAvoy and Gavin Skelton all the best in their new roles at the club as they attempt to drive the side back into the Football League.
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On Thursday morning Carlisle United announced the signing of Sam Murray on a one-year deal. The 20-year-old full-back joins the Blues following his release from Premier League club Manchester United this summer.
Who Is Sam Murray?
The left-back made the switch to the Red Devils from Huddersfield Town at under-15 level in September 2017.
During his time at Old Trafford, Murray won the FA Youth Cup in the 2021/22 season alongside the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.
Despite appearing for Manchester United at every youth level Murray never managed to break in to the first team in his time at Old Trafford.
The left-back represented England at under-15 level after impressing at Huddersfield.
What Has Been Said?
Head Coach, Mark Hughes said: “We’re delighted that Sam is joining us, he’s a great young talent who has been at a great club.
“He’s a left sided player with good pace and good technical ability, and I’m looking forward to working with him.”
Head of Football Operations, Marc Tierney added: “We’re excited to welcome a promising left-back to Brunton Park.
“He is a grounded and driven young player, and he adds strong competition to the squad and brings real potential for the future.
“We’re looking forward to seeing his impact as he continues to develop with us.”
My Opinion On The Move
This is yet more proof the Mark Hughes and Marc Tierney know which areas of the field need strengthened. The addition of Murray to add depth in the full-back position gives competition for places for players such as Cameron Harper.
Even though we are now in the National League it just shows the pull of the club and manager Mark Hughes that we can attract players that have been playing for Premier League clubs as recently as last season.
Incomings so far seem very positive and shows that Hughes has identified quickly which positions needed filled this summer. Outgoings I am still apprehensive because there is a lot of deadwood and players on big money and long contracts that we need to move on so time will tell as an overall window but so far the incomings such as Morgan Feeney, Regan Linney and Junior Luamba are exciting.
Dan and Craig would like to give Sam Murray a warm Paddock Perception welcome and we hope his time at Brunton Park is a successful time!
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This afternoon Carlisle United announced the signing of Junior Luamba from Salford City for an undisclosed fee. The 22-year-old has signed a two-year-deal at Brunton Park.
The winger made began his career at Oldham Athletic and was there for three years making 28 appearances and scoring on two occasions.
In October 2023, Junior signed for Salford City, initially with the reserves until the end of that season, before making the step up to the first team, where he made over 30 appearances for the Ammies.
Luamba then joined York City on loan in February of this year for the remainder of the campaign. During his time there he featured on 18 occasions, scoring one goal.
Head Coach, Mark Hughes said: “Junior brings exactly the kind of energy and attitude we want at this football club.
“His pace is a real asset – whether he’s pressing high, stretching the opposition, or tracking back in transition, his physical presence and work rate from the front are excellent.
“He plays with a positive mindset at both ends of the pitch. He’s fearless going forward and equally committed to the defensive side of the game, which is exactly what we ask from our front players.
“He’s shown us he can operate effectively in a few different roles, which gives us great options tactically.
“He’s at a great stage in his career – young enough to keep developing but already mature in how he approaches the game. I’m excited to work with him and help him take that next step.”
Head of Football Operations, Marc Tierney added: “Junior is an exceptional young talent with a relentless work ethic and a winning mentality.
“His drive to improve is matched by his natural ability, and we’re confident that Brunton Park is the ideal stage for him to showcase his quality.”
My Opinion On The Move
Mark Hughes is clearly targeting pacy wingers with the addition of David Ajiboye yesterday and now Junior Luamba. Luamba has experience in the National League and is still young enough to develop.
Hughes mentioned in his comments on the player about his ability to get up and down the pitch and impact the play at both ends of the pitch which is something that has been missing from wingers in recent times.
Us at Paddock Perception would like to give Junior Luamba a warm welcome and we hope his time at Brunton Park is a successful time.
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Carlisle United this evening have announced the signing of free agent forward David Ajiboye on a two year contract.
Ajiboye joins the Blues following the expiry of his contract at Peterborough United, whom he signed for an undisclosed fee in the summer of 2022. He came through the academy at Brighton and Hove Albion before signing for Isthmain Premier Division side Worthing FC in 2017.
He went on to sign for National League side Sutton United in 2019, where he made 134 appearances in a 3 year stint with the club, which saw Sutton promoted into the EFL for the first time in their history.
In 2022 he was signed by League One side Peterborough United for an undisclosed fee, however despite being a regular feature in the 2023/24 season, he largely failed to hold down a place in the first team and spent time out on loan back at Sutton, as well as back in the National League with York City, before a return to League Two in a short loan spell with Newport County in January of this year.
Head Coach, Mark Hughes said: “We’re excited to welcome David to the club. His speed is exceptional, and he gives us a real edge going forward.
“He’s been part of a promotion-winning side and knows what it takes to compete at a higher level. That experience and his hunger to make an impact are exactly what we need for the forthcoming season and he will add to the variety of attacking options we now have.”
Head of Football Operations, Marc Tierney added: “We’re thrilled to welcome David to the club. He’s a fantastic addition who brings an exciting, entertaining style of play, along with blistering pace and sharp agility that will add real strength to our attacking options.
“He’s a huge boost to the team and we’re delighted to have him on board!”
What will Ajiboye bring to Carlisle United?
Ajiboye is regarded as a player who has blistering pace in the forward line, and despite not having a particularly impressive goal return, will inevitably have a role to play in the forthcoming National League season with the Cumbrians. United arguably haven’t had a forward with real pace since Omari Patrick departed the club and having a player with that in his locker could be a difference maker in certain situations next season.
Having Ajiboye’s pace to compliment the power of the likes of Georgie Kelly and Charlie Wyke up top next season could be a potent combo for the Blues, and with his previous experience of being promoted out of the National League with Sutton, his knowledge and nous in the division could be a big asset to Carlisle next season.
Dan and Craig at Paddock Perception would like to send a big welcome to David and hope he enjoys a thoroughly successful spell at the club.
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Carlisle United this week confirmed that 72-year-old Paul Hart has joined the club as an advisor to the Board.
Paul Hart brings with him 50 plus years of experience to Brunton Park having played, coached, and managed across all levels of English Football in that time. This has covered a number of different leagues in both first team and academy roles.
A Look At Paul Hart’s Career
Until late in 2024 he was Assistant Manager at Charlton Athletic in League One under Nathan Jones. This was a position he held from February 2024, until stepping down from the role in August.
He was part of the coaching staff at Luton Town in the Championship during the 2020/21 campaign, which was his second stint with the club. Prior to that, Paul was Assistant Manager at Stoke City in the Championship from 2016-2018, he was at Luton during their rise through the EFL, with a second spell at Notts County as Technical Director also during that time.
In 2015, Hart joined Leeds United as Academy Director and Under-21s’ Manager. Throughout his first stint at Notts County – initially employed as Acting Academy Manager – he served as Caretaker Manager. Paul was also appointed as Academy Director at Charlton Athletic in June 2011, and would stay at The Valley until May 2014.
Between 2009 and 2011, Hart held three separate managerial positions at Swindon Town, Crystal Palace and Queen’s Park Rangers. This followed a spell at Portsmouth, where he was appointed as Director of Youth Operations. During a two-year spell from 2004 to 2006, Hart also managed Barnsley and Rushden and Diamonds, after taking charge of Nottingham Forest’s Academy.
His first academy-related role came at Leeds United, where he won the FA Youth Cup in 1993 and 1997 during a five-year stay with the club. Hart’s first managerial position was with Chesterfield in 1988, before exiting the club early in 1991. In his playing career, he amassed a total of 567 league appearances at Birmingham City, Sheffield Wednesday, Nottingham Forest, Leeds United and Blackpool.
The club said that Paul Hart has joined the club on a consultancy basis to support and assist the Board of Directors in a senior football advisory role.
Hart will bring the benefit of his expertise and vast experience to the Board, on key strategic footballing matters, to help shape and support the club’s long-term football vision. He will serve as a sounding board, providing an independent perspective. He will not be part of the club’s day-to-day football operations.
What Did Paul Hart Have To Say?
After joining the club, Paul said “I am delighted to be able to assist the Board and give my support when called upon. I am really looking forward to helping wherever I can, as the Board require.”
Our Opinion On This Appointment
The experience and the knowledge of fifty plus years in football can only be a good thing for the club. The owners and board have needed proper football people advising them for the last 18 months and now they have made a real stride in the right direction by appointing Paul Hart.
Hart’s connections and the amount of clubs he’s worked for over that time period can only be positive as well and hopefully that means Carlisle United can maintain good relationships with a lot of EFL clubs despite being in the National League next season.
The fact he it has been announced that he is independent and not part of the club’s day-to-day operations is a huge positive for me because it means he’ll be honest and won’t just be a yes man which is something I think that has been a problem at the club for a long time.
Dan and Craig would like to offer a warm Paddock Perception welcome to Paul Hart and we hope his time at Brunton Park is successful.
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