On Tuesday evening, Carlisle United announced the signing of defender Morgan Feeney on a two-year deal following the players departure from Shrewsbury Town.
Feeney, 26, came through the ranks at Everton, before joining Tranmere Rovers for the second-half of the 2019/20 campaign.
In the summer of 2020, he joined Sunderland but only feature on a couple of occasions. The centre-back initially joined the Cumbrians in January 2021 on a deal until the following summer, prior to penning a one-year extension which included a club option for a further year until the end of the 2022/23 season, which was ultimately activated.
After captaining the Blues to promotion in 2023 he then joined Shrewsbury Town where his contract expired this summer.
Head Coach, Mark Hughes said: “Bringing Morgan back is a move we’re extremely pleased with. He embodies all the characteristics you look for in a player – professionalism, drive, quality on the pitch, and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed.
“Morgan’s familiarity with the club, its culture, and the expectations placed on players to perform will be invaluable as we continue to build for the season ahead. His experience and presence will add hugely to the leadership within the team, both on and off the field.
“I’m looking forward to working with him and I’m excited about what he will bring to the squad.”
Head of Football Operations, Marc Tierney said: “We’re thrilled to welcome back a proven leader and winner to Brunton Park in Morgan Feeney.
“Morgan truly embodies our ethos and our ambitions for the future. His return marks an exciting step forward as we continue building a team that reflects our values and vision.”
This deal will be completed upon the expiration of his current contract and he’ll officially join the club on 1 July.
On his return to Brunton Park the play done an in depth interview with CUTV where he said the following:
Feeney said: “I’m buzzing. Delighted to be back. Can’t wait to get started now, finally it’s done.”
Feeney captained United to promotion before joining Shrewsbury Town in the summer of 2023.
“I enjoyed my time at Shrewsbury.
“Last season didn’t go the way we wanted to there, but I gained loads of experience there and played in some decent games, so I enjoyed my time there.”
“I’m a centre-back, I didn’t play right-back as much as I’ve seen from what people have said on that, but no, I’m a centre-back. I’ve done a job at right-back and tried to do as best as I can.
“I feel like my best position is centre-back, but listen, wherever I’m asked to play, I’ll play.
“I’m here to do my best for the club. I’ve always loved this club, I’ve always loved playing for this club, so I’m back now hopefully to go and perform on the pitch.
“My main focus now is obviously getting the club back up to where they need to be because it’s definitely not where they belong.
“I think the aim is to get them back to League One where we finished last.
“When I left here, it was on a massive high because we got promoted at Wembley. It’s a different situation coming back this time where we almost need to build that back up again, but speaking to the gaffer and what he wants from the group and myself, I’ve got an utmost belief that we’re going to go and do that this season and beyond.
“That’s my aim. That’ll be the group’s aim, I’m sure, this season, to go and put things right, I suppose, and get the club back to where it needs to be.
“I think, first and foremost, giving the fans something back for them to cheer about again. That comes from performances and doing well on the pitch. Myself and I’m sure the lads, when I meet them all, that’ll be the first thing that we’re going to try and do. Obviously, win games, try and put on performances and get the club back up, like I say, and give the fans something to shout about again.”
“I’ll do my bit where I need to do it, but first and foremost, get it right on the football pitch. That’s what the club needs, that’s what the fans need.
“So, for myself, yeah, I’ll muck in where I need to muck in and just hopefully get off to a flyer again this season.”
Talking on the importance of character in the dressing room, Morgan said: “I think that was a massive strength for us on certainly the promotion season. When I was last here, we had such good characters in the dressing room and, you know, we had a strong union in the dressing room and, you know, hopefully we’ll have that this season too.
“You can see how far that takes you when you have that tight-knit group. So hopefully, you know, we’re all singing from the same hymn sheet and bounce back up.”
On the importance of leadership within the group, he added: “I think you need four, five, six captains in the team, you know, where everyone’s leading in their own way and I think that, you know, that counts for this season too.
“You’re going to need everyone pulling together and you need all your leaders out there and, you know, anyone can help along the way – I’m sure everyone will.
Finally, Feeney ended with a short message for the fans, saying: “Let’s have another good go!”
My Opinion On The Move
I think this move is a real sign of intent from Carlisle United. Feeney is a League One level player and to have him in the National League is a true sign of the appeal of the project at Brunton Park.
Feeney’s leadership qualities have already been demonstrated once at the club and I think they will be needed again to help Mark Hughes’ side bounce straight back to the EFL.
The defender did leave the club under a bit of a cloud back in 2023 but the supporters I’ve spoken to aren’t thinking about that and know the qualities Feeney brings to the side so I don’t think that will be an issue at all.
The first two additions this summer in Regan Linney and Morgan Feeney are really positive signs that the club are determined to get the recruitment right this transfer window after numerous failed windows. It still remains to be seen how many players the club can move on but with Will Patching already been loaned out it shows the club are 100% focussed on getting this window right and that’s all the supporters want to see, steps in the right direction.
Finally, we both just wanted to wish Morgan Feeney and Regan Linney a warm Paddock Perception welcome and we hope their time at Brunton Park brings a lot of special moments and success.
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Yesterday it was announced that striker Matthew Dennis had rejected a new contract offer from Carlisle United and had decided to make the move to an EFL club instead. Later it was made official that he had joined League Two side Notts County.
Notts’ head of football Roberto Gagliardi described the signing as “Representing great value” for the club and was “Delighted to have beaten a number of other clubs to his signature, including some from higher divisions”
Dennis leaves the Blues after signing a short term deal in February, a spell that saw him score six goals in fourteen appearances for Mark Hughes’ side, which sadly was not enough to keep Carlisle in the EFL.
How will this departure affect Carlisle United next season?
Without a doubt, Matty Dennis’ departure is a blow for Carlisle, who were hoping to make him a part of their plans to forge an immediate comeback to the EFL in the 2025/26 season and his output of goals was certainly an impressive one especially considering it was for a side that was so up against it and were ultimately relegated.
With that said, i personally don’t think it’s something that will be too devastating for United next season, as with a forward line that currently consists of Georgie Kelly, Charlie Wyke, Luke Armstrong and the newly signed Regan Linney, there should be more than enough firepower in the side to consistently find the net next season.
I wish Dennis all the best at his new club and hope it ends up being a successful move for him, but i certainly think we can achieve our goals despite his departure.
Thank you for reading Paddock Perception, and stay tuned for more updates and opinions on the summer transfer window and pre season ahead for the Blues.
On Friday Carlisle United announced the signing of striker Regan Linney from Altrincham FC for an undisclosed fee.
Linney, 28, arrives at Brunton Park on a three-year contract after scoring 25 goals for the Robins in the 2024/25 season.
The Preston-born striker started his career at Bamber Bridge where he broke into the first team aged just 17.
FC United of Manchester signed him for an undisclosed fee in 2019, where he went on to make 97 appearances and scored 40 goals.
In his two-and-a-half seasons with Altrincham in the National League he score 44 goals in 93 appearances.
Manager, Mark Hughes said: “We’re delighted Regan has joined us. We’re really impressed with him as a player, he obviously had a big season last year and scored a lot of goals.
“We like the way he goes about his business, he’s got flexibility which is important and he can play down the middle or from the left, and he scored a lot of goals from that position last season.
“We’re getting him at the right time in his career, he’s got real drive to continue his progression, we’re excited that he is joining us on our journey.”
Head of Football Operations, Marc Tierney said: “We are absolutely delighted to bring Regan to Brunton Park.
“He’s a prolific forward who plays with real intensity. Most importantly, he’s a player who will give everything for the shirt, and that’s exactly the type of character we want at this football club.
“We believe he can make a big impact here and we’re excited to see him get started.”
My Opinion On Regan Linney
Linney began his career at Bamber Bridge before moving to FC United of Manchester and that was where he caught my eye. It was very apparent that he was destined to play at a higher level.
Linney can score many different types of goals, he makes excellent runs to stretch defences, his work ethic is second to none, his ability to finish is one of the best at National League level, his goalscoring record speaks for itself, he can lead the line on his own or play as part of a front two and that versatility will be extremely useful to Mark Hughes.
I wrote an article a couple of weeks ago handpicking four ideal candidates with proven National League experience to help fire the blues back to the football league at the first attempt and one of the top names on that list was Regan Linney.
I think this move is a statement of intent from Mark Hughes and the club. They have signed one of the league’s most consistent players and one of the top scorers over the last two seasons. There is still a lot of work to do over the summer with incomings and outgoings but this is a very strong start. The move was something I’ve spoke about since January but with the arrival of Marc Tierney from Altrincham the move seemed inevitable.
Welcome to Brunton Park, Regan Linney!
Thank you everyone for reading Paddock Perception and don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for all your latest Carlisle United news coming over the summer and next season courtesy of Dan and Craig.
Looking at the current state of the Blues’ squad and what areas i think they most need to improve upon.
Following the reveal of Carlisle United’s released and retained lists after the conclusion of the 2024/25 season, I thought i would take a look at all areas of the squad and where I personally believe the team is in most need of improvement or depth. Mark Hughes has officially been announced to be staying on ahead of the Blues’ first season out of the Football League since 2004/05
Combined with the appointment of Marc Tierney as the club’s Head of Football Operations, the rebuild will soon be underway to attempt to return to the EFL at the first time of asking. So, let’s look at the squad and what needs done to it…
(This list does not include newly graduated academy players, as i feel it’s unfair to judge them at the moment)
GOALKEEPERS
Contracted players in this position – Gabe Breeze, Harry Lewis, Jude Smith
The goalkeeper position at Carlisle has been one of a pretty big debate over the last two or three seasons, and it is one that has been nailed down currently by 21 year old homegrown talent Gabriel Breeze. Breeze has made the position his own since coming in for Harry Lewis during the course of last season, and has had many impressive performances between the sticks since then, including making over 15 saves in the Blues’ 2-1 loss away to Chesterfield, and saving a late penalty to give Carlisle a 3-2 win over now promoted Port Vale.
Breeze has had his critics due to his poor distribution and occasionally struggling to command his area, however I believe that he’s still the right man for the role next season, it remains to be seen whether he will remain at the club however, with rumoured interest from higher division sides.
Behind him, I would like to see a signing brought in for stiffer competiton for Breeze to really challenge him for that number 1 position, Lewis has made countless errors since his signing from Bradford in January 2024, and has shown no sign of making his way back into the side, as for third choice Jude Smith, he has yet to make an appearance for the Blues, which tells me he should probably also be moved on.
DEFENCE
Contracted players in this area: Archie Davies, Cameron Harper, Aaron Hayden, Jack Ellis, Josh Williams, Terrell Thomas
The backline has been arguably the most troubled area for the Cumbrians in the last year, with the club struggling to keep clean sheets and shipping 71 goals in the league last season. The side’s record especially dipped towards the end of the year, when Mark Hughes’ change to a back 4 showed many of the players’ vulnerabilities that bit more.
At right back, we have Archie Davies, Jack Ellis and Josh Williams (Williams was mainly deployed as a wing back in his limited appearances before his injury). For me personally, these three offer different things to the side and all have their own drawbacks.
Davies is a technically gifted player, capable of taking on a man and being a big part of attacking moves in the final third, however he lacks tenacity when defending his own goal and is often caught out of position. Jack Ellis is another 21 year old academy graduate who looks generally very comfortable with the defensive side of the game, and is also capable of playing at centre back, however he arguably lets himself down when pushing forward, hesitating in key crossing moments and not being the best passer of the ball. Josh Williams is a player with bags of pace, however he suffers the same defensive susceptibilities as Davies, and for me personally, should be utilised as more of a winger going forward. Personally i don’t think this area requires too much focus, as Davies and Ellis should have the attributes between them to work in most scenarios in the National League next season, while Williams should be used higher up on the field.
At left back, we only have Cameron Harper who is a natural there. (With Jack Ellis having filled in quite well a few times) Harper is a frustrating player, occasionally showing signs of real quality, however probably slightly more often, showing signs of a lack of it, with wayward passes, getting caught too narrow when defending, and letting himself down with his crosses into the box. For me, we definitely need to look at bringing in another left back to at least challenge Harper, and preferably improve the position as his own.
Finally, at centre back, we have Terrell Thomas and Aaron Hayden, who were the club’s regular starting partnership towards the end of last season. For me, this is the area where we desperately need to strengthen, as the partnership was exposed multiple times in games last season. Hayden has lost a couple of yards of pace as a result of his injuries in recent years, and Thomas for me often cuts a figure of someone who thinks he’s better than he is. I think Hayden is the better defender of the two, and is a proven threat from set pieces, Thomas has shown glimpses of quality and he has all the attributes but he is too erratic with his distribution and decision making for me, he has an especially glaring weakness of struggling to deal with balls over the top. I would like to see three new centre backs brought in to supplement this area, with at least two being experienced, solid heads at National League level.
MIDFIELD
Contracted players in this area: Elliot Embleton, Jordan Jones, Will Patching, Ethan Robson, Stephen Wearne, Callum Whelan
Players offered new deals in this area: Kadeem Harris
The midfield area is a tricky one to properly describe for Carlisle at the moment, as a few of the players have shown good amounts of quality, however it’s an area that we will definitely need reinforcements in if we’re to succeed next season.
In the middle, we have Will Patching, Ethan Robson, Stephen Wearne, Elliot Embleton and Callum Whelan. Will Patching is a player who came in with a good bit of hype, after having a positive season for Derry City in the League of Ireland, however despite a few appearances under Mike Williamson, he quickly faded out of the side after reports of poor fitness levels, and didn’t make the matchday squad for the final 12 games of the season. Ethan Robson was signed in the summer, with the Blues hoping he would provide a creative injection in League Two, however injuries and failing to impress led him to being loaned out towards the end of the last campaign.
Stephen Wearne was signed from MK Dons in January, and despite showing signs of promise under Williamson, was initially dropped from Mark Hughes’ lineups, however he played his way back into the side and was one of Carlisle’s more productive players in the final third of the season despite only registering 2 goals and 2 assists. Elliot Embleton is a player that Dan mentioned in his list of players that Carlisle should move on for next season, and i largely agree with him, despite showing occasional bits of quality and impressive set piece deliveries, Embleton has shown horrible body language and has had flashpoints with fans since his January move, all the while failing to produce anything truly substantial on the pitch.
Callum Whelan, on the other hand, has been arguably United’s best signing from the January transfer window, showing real quality in the middle of the park, a technically gifted player who always wants the ball and keeps play ticking along, he was a vital cog in the team’s upturn in form towards the end of the season and will likely be a mainstay in the side in the National League after impressing in the division with Gateshead.
Out wide, we have Jordan Jones and Kadeem Harris (With Wearne, Embleton and Josh Williams also capable of being deployed in this area) with the latter having been offered a new deal, however it remains to be seen whether he will sign. Jones is another who Dan highlighted, and once again i totally agree with him, despite coming in with a lot of hype in the summer transfer window, Jones has failed to register a single goal or assist in League Two and despite also there clearly being a player in there somewhere, has produced far too many overhit crosses, corners hitting the first man and many instances of poor body language, also having confrontations with the fans and is someone who I’d personally be surprised if he’s still here come next season.
Kadeem Harris was picked up on a free transfer in November last season and has been easily one of Carlisle’s most exciting players, probably the best player on the ball at the whole club, he proved a nightmare for many full backs to handle last year, despite often being wasted at wing back by Mike Williamson. Where Harris lets himself down is his end product, with poor finishing and final ball really preventing him from hitting that next level, with that said, i would be surprised if Harris remains at the club next season, as i’m sure many L2 sides would love to have him in the squad.
So, for me in this area, I would like to see at least two to three new central midfielders brought in, with at least one being a strong, physical tackler in the middle, which would allow Whelan to pull the strings like he does best, out wide, with Harris more than likely to leave, I would also like to see two to three new faces brought in, capable of creating real chances for our forward line next year, as well as Josh Williams being moved into a more forward role to make more use of his pace.
STRIKERS
Players contracted in this area: Luke Armstrong, Charlie Wyke, Georgie Kelly, Cedwyn Scott
Players offered a new deal in this area: Matthew Dennis
Up front has been a position that the Blues have really struggled in ever since the club’s promotion to League One, with no player really holding down a place and producing goals, with players such as Ryan Edmondson, Joe Garner and Dan Adu-Adjeyi all coming and going, no man has really made that position his own.
Luke Armstrong was signed in January of last season for a sizeable fee from Harrogate Town, with a lot of expectations due to his work rate and physical presence, however a lack of service and support often led him to being a frustrated figure on the pitch for large parts of both last and this season, he fell out of favour with Mike Williamson after the signings of Joe Hugill and Cedwyn Scott and was loaned out to Motherwell for the remainder of the season. I personally believe there is still a chance for Armstrong to be a success at Carlisle, with him having all the attributes to thrive in a Mark Hughes side, whether he’s capable of showing the consistency to make that happen remains to be seen.
Carlisle fans were over the moon when it was announced that Charlie Wyke was returning to the club in the summer, however things haven’t worked out so far for either side, with Wyke spurning a few great chances in games towards the start of the season before suffering a broken leg against Cheltenham. I’m unsure as to what is in the future for Wyke, as such a nasty injury is hard to come back from, especially with him showing signs of slowing down before the break. However, everyone is aware of the quality Wyke possesses, and if he can make a positive return then he is more than caapble of being a success next season in the National League.
Matthew Dennis was signed on a short term deal in Februrary of last season, and despite initially struggling to impress, he was eventually a mainstay of Mark Hughes’ side up front and chipped in with plenty of important goals which gave the club a fighting chance of survival, a physical player who is always a handful for defences, he could very well be a big player for the side should he decide to sign a new contract.
Cedwyn Scott made his return to the club in January of last season from Notts County following a mental health break from football, and despite scoring in a 2-1 win away to Fleetwood early on in his return, he eventually faded out of the side, clearly not in Mark Hughes’ plans, with him reportedly not showing enough in training and not even attending most matches with the squad. By all means, i hope this is not another mental health lapse for Cedwyn, however if he is not able to get himself back to where he needs to be, unfortunately i struggle to see his Carlisle career going much further.
Finally, Georgie Kelly was signed from Rotherham in January of last season, with a reputation as being a fantastic finisher. Despite showing signs of being a good player, his Carlisle career has been absolutely plagued with injuries over the last two seasons, with him only making 25 appearances since his move, many of which being off the bench. However, a return to fitness towards the end of last season saw Kelly flourish, scoring 5 goals in the final 6 games of the season, really showing how much Carlisle had been missing a proper number 9, with his hold up play and physical presence up front also being incredibly impressive. Should Kelly be able to stay fit and the club make the right additions arround him, he has the potential to score plenty for Carlisle next season.
All in all, i think Carlisle are in a relatively decent place up top for next season, however with question marks over all five men for various reasons, whether it be ability, form or fitness, i would potentially like to see another addition in this area, Dan has highlighted the likes of Ollie Pearce and Regan Linney as potential signigns to bolster our firepower, both of which are proven scorers at this level. I would like to see someone with a good bit of pace brought in, to compliment our current forward line which is largely comprised of strong, physical players.
Regardless of what happens, and who comes in, goes out, or stays, we need to get behind the side and Mark Hughes as much as possible with the full belief that we’re capable of returning to League Two.
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There is going to be a huge squad overhaul this summer for Mark Hughes’ side. The incoming players are just as important as the outgoing ones and while there has been a lot of players released there is still an abundance of players under contract that need moved on.
Bringing the right profile of player is just as important as shipping the correct players out the door. I have written numerous articles pinpointing players with National League experience that I think Carlisle United should be looking to bring in over the summer but I left my main player out because I was sure he was going to get promoted.
York City lost 3-0 to Oldham Athletic in the play off semi final so that means they will not be getting promoted this season and their players could be open to moves away from the club.
Striker Ollie Pearce has set the league on fire this season with 31 league goals in 46 games and was an integral part for them narrowly missing out on automatic promotion to the football league.
Who Is Ollie Pearce?
The 29-year-old striker has a pedigree of scoring lots of goals in non league football. He was at Worthing for six seasons and scored more than a goal a game in every season he was there. His best season three seasons at Worthing saw him score 43 goals in 27 games, 24 goals in 19 games and 35 goals in 23 games. His only season at York City has saw him score 31 goals. In his last four seasons he has scored a total of 133 goals just in the league. He could be perfect to fire Carlisle to promotion with his experience of scoring bucket loads of non league goals.
How Likely Is This Move To Happen?
I wouldn’t rule anything out but I have mentioned Regan Linney from Altrincham who is also a great non league goalscorer and with the arrival of Marc Tierney and his connections to the club I would say if the blues are going to sign any non league striker it’s more likely to be Linney right now.
My personal opinion I would sign both Pearce and Linney if I could and alternate them with Georgie Kelly, all three would be an unstoppable attacking threat for the National League but it would depend on how many of the current attackers we have that we can ship out first.
I’d love to know what your thoughts are on if Carlisle needs any strikers or are you happy with the strikers we currently have?
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This week Carlisle United have announced their retained and released lists after their relegation to the National League.
Today we will take a look at the lists and talk about if there are any suprises or any decisions we agree or disagree with.
Players already contracted for the 2025/26 season: Luke Armstrong, Gabe Breeze, Archie Davies, Elliot Embleton, Cameron Harper, Aaron Hayden, Jordan Jones, Georgie Kelly, Harry Lewis, Will Patching, Ethan Robson, Cedwyn Scott, Jude Smith, Terell Thomas, Stephen Wearne, Callum Whelan, Josh Williams and Charlie Wyke
Players with clauses activated for the 2025/26 season: Jack Ellis
Players offered new deals: Matthew Dennis and Kadeem Harris
Players released: Ben Barclay, Taylor Charters, Anton Dudik, Paul Dummett, Callum Guy, Sam Lavelle, Dylan McGeouch and Josh Vela
Loan players returning to their parent club: Joe Bevan, Sean Fusire, Joe Hugill and Charlie McArthur
Scholars who were offered and have accepted professional deals: Jake Allan, Sam Hetherington and Dan Hopper
Scholarships extended for a third year: Freddie O’Donoghue and Thomas Randall
Scholars released: Trent Chapman, Aran Fitzpatrick, Mason Fleming, James Murray, Will Nicholson, Josh O’Brien and Bobby Skinner
Our Opinion On The Players Retained & Released
Personally I think there’s no surprises in the players staying or leaving. Offering new deals to Dennis and Harris is a good decision and I think Dennis may stay but it would be a big ask to keep Harris who is clearly too good for non-league football.
There are a lot of players still under contract that the club will need to look at moving on but it could be difficult. Mark Hughes will know which of those he can rely on and will already have made his mind up on who needs to be moved on.
A reset in the boardroom and on the pitch is needed this summer so I expect a lot of players to leave and not just the released players.
With Marc Tierney and Mark Hughes both firmly in place before the end of May this gives the club the best chance to get a vital summer plan together and to give Carlisle the best chance possible to build a team that has the best chance of an instant return to the football league next season.
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It was announced yesterday that Mark Hughes would be extending his time as Carlisle United manager after the clubs’ relegation to the National League.
The announcement followed the one that saw Greg Abbott leaving his post as head of recruitment.
Both announcements were met with positivity and excitement by the majority of supporters. Abbott’s recruitment has been in question for a long time and his departure is long overdue. Mark Hughes results and upturn in Carlisle’s performances after he took over has warranted him getting the chance to take us straight back in to the football league next season.
Mark Hughes Contract Extension
Hughes joined the Cumbrians in February and has built a great relationship with the players and supporters since his first game in charge.
The Blues’ results and performances improved drastically when Hughes took charge but sadly the damage was already done and he couldn’t save the side from relegation.
Speaking after extending his stay, Mark said: “I’m thrilled to be staying at the club.
“Since joining back in February, the support I’ve received from the fans has been exceptional – thank you.
“I hope to see more of the same next season as we aim for an immediate return to the EFL.”
Chairman, Tom Piatak added: “We’re pleased to confirm the extension of Mark Hughes as Head Coach of Carlisle United.
“Mark brought the squad together during the closing stretch of the season and gave us a fighting chance. His leadership, composure, and connection with the players was clear, and we’re confident in his ability to lead us forward.”
Can Hughes Get Carlisle United Promoted?
The National League is a notoriously hard league to get out of, just ask teams such as Oldham, Rochdale, Hartlepool, Chesterfield, Wrexham and many more team’s fans. Mark Hughes’ managerial experience and record speaks for itself, he’s managed at the very highest level and the relationships he’s built with the club, the players and the fans could be key. It’s important that the recruitment is right this summer and hopefully Hughes will have a big say in that with Abbott now gone.
Promotion is achievable if everything goes right this summer but that is a big if. After back-to-back relegations it’s important that Hughes and the team get back to winning games of football consistently and build on some of the momentum they built at the back end of last season and make Brunton Park a fortress again. Hopefully if the club can achieve those things then a successful season will go hand in hand with that.
Thanks everyone for reading Paddock Perception, myself and Craig will be aiming to bring you as much Carlisle United this summer and when the new season starts up again.
Carlisle United today announced the appointment of Marc Tierney as the club’s new Head of Footballl Operations, following the departure of Director of Football Rob Clarkson prior to the Cumbrians’ final game of the season.
Tierney is no stranger to United, having played a handful of games for them during a loan spell in the 2004/05 season. He went on to have a decent league career, playing for sides such as Bolton Wanderers and Norwich City.
What Does This Mean Going Forward?
It’s a move that will likely split fans, many of which were perhaps hoping to see the position be removed entirely, and to revert to having a manager instead of a head coach. It does however indicate that Castle Sports Group and the Piataks have recognised that their philosophy to try and instill into the club was perhaps misguided and signals a new approach for next season.
Rob Clarkson
Where did Clarkson go wrong, and how might Tierney improve on this?
Rob Clarkson was brought in to push forward the owners’ ambitions of making the club an attractive destination for promising Premier League and Championship youth players to come and ply their trade, with Carlisle attempting to play a high possession, high press brand of football, similar to how many elite English sides operate, this could be seen with the signings of players like Joe Hugill, Charlie McArthur and Joe Bevan on loan from Manchester United, Newcastle United and Burnley respectively.
This approach however largely proved ineffective, due to the squad not having the capability to deploy the brand of football efficiently, and manager Mike Williamson often stubbornly refusing to adapt to varying game situations. The January transfer window of the 2024/25 season is largely looked upon as a disaster, with a combination of Clarkson and the Piataks trusting Williamson’s philosophies and allowing him to sign eleven players in total in the window, many of which faded out the squad entirely by the end of the season, such as Cedwyn Scott and Will Patching.
The appointment of Marc Tierney from Altrincham indicates that the Cumbrians are now looking for National League experience and knowledge of the division’s style and player base in an attempt to rebound from back to back relegations. Tierney has been Director of Football at Altrincham since last August and helped the club to a 9th placed finish in the National League, just 4 points off of the play off places.
The more grounded approach to recruitment and footballing philosophy may prove to be a positive sign for the Blues, however it remains to be seen who Tierney will be working alongside for the 2025/26 season, with discussions still underway between Carlisle and current manager Mark Hughes about his future at the club.
Thank you for reading Paddock Perception, i hope you enjoyed the read. Myself and Dan hope to provide many more articles about the Blues over the summer and for the coming season ahead. Feel free to let us know your opinions and catch us on our X pages down below
The reality of playing non-league football next season is slowly setting in with Carlisle United fans right now. I think it’s vital that the blues sign players with National League experience to have the best chance to make an immediate return to the football league.
I wrote an article a few days ago where I picked four players that Mark Hughes should take a look at but I did say there are more than four so I may do another one. Here are four more players with vital National League experience that could play a huge part for Carlisle United next season.
Regan Booty – Midfielder
Booty is the kind of midfielder that does a lot of dirty work that goes unnoticed. He could be the man in midfield that allows players like Whelan and Wearne to get forward to create and score goals. He has lots of experience at National League level having played for Maidstone and Aldershot as well as Gateshead. Given Carlisle’s recent relationship with Gateshead this could be a deal worth looking at.
Alex Newby – Forward
The Altrincham forward has that special something and his partnership with Regan Linney who I mentioned previously has took the National League by storm over the last couple of years. Newby scored 13 goals last season and 15 this season but as well as that he creates chances for those around him. He has vital lower league experience having played for Chorley and Rochdale as well as Altrincham.
Daniel Creaney – Striker
Creaney for Tamworth is a proven goalscorer and his non-league experience and doing it for a prolonged period at that level could be something worth looking at. Creaney has 19 goals this season in a Tamworth side who finished mid-table and two seasons ago scored 35 goals in his best season for the club. This would depend on what happens with Carlisle’s current strikers because with Georgie Kelly, Luke Armstrong, Charlie Wyke all available next season they would probably have to move some on before bringing any others in.
Manny Monthe – Defender
Monthe with his experience in the lower leagues having played for clubs such as Tranmere, Walsall and Forest Green as well as Oldham. could be an excellent signing as he is big strong and powerful which is what we’ll need in the National League. He has been injured for a while so a move would depend on fitness and Oldham not going up.
There are still some players I’ve yet to mention but a lot of these depend on so many different outcomes such as fitness, clubs retained and released lists and whether they have been promoted with their clubs or not. Remember these are just my opinion as well and I have no insider information I’m purely just giving some ideas.
Thanks everyone for reading Paddock Perception, I hope you all enjoyed it! Remember to follow myself and Craig on social media for more Carlisle updates and content.
After Mike Williamson’s sacking on 1st February following a humiliating 5-1 defeat to Swindon at Brunton Park Carlisle United were cut adrift at the bottom of League Two and showed no signs of fight, passion or pride.
The subsequent appointment of Mark Hughes raised a few eyebrows but his experience and CV spoke for itself. He came in when the player’s confidence was at rock bottom and the supporters had given up hope.
He took over a sinking ship and gave the players a reason to fight and show some pride in their performances again. Ultimately Carlisle were still relegated but that was not down to Mark Hughes, the damage was already done but he gave us a fighting chance which nobody thought we had. The powers that be have to put their faith in Mark Hughes this summer and let him build a team that he can get out of the National League at the first attempt.
Today I’m going to look at Hughes’ Carlisle United managerial record and tell you why I’m backing him to take us back up to the football league.
Mark Hughes’ Carlisle United Record
Since his arrival in February Hughes has won five games, drawn six and lost seven. Now that record may not set the world alight when you add in that none of these players are his players, he’s trying to manage a mess left by two sacked manager and dreadful recruitment and he still managed to get 21 points from that is a huge tick in the box. If he gets his own players and turns a few of them draws in to wins and a couple of defeats in to positive results and all of a sudden his record looks a whole lot better.
What impressed me since Mark Hughes came in was that we were doing the basics right again. We’d forgotten how to do the basics under Williamson and Hughes had us defending our goal better, keeping the ball better and most importantly creating chances again.
Another thing that impressed me was the improvement of certain players under Hughes which highlights his man management ability as well. Georgie Kelly was fit and firing, Gabe Breeze getting better with every game, Stephen Wearne and Callum Whelan creating chances and Matthew Dennis leading the line well.
Why Keep Mark Hughes?
Hughes has now built a relationship with this squad of players, he knows who he can trust and who he needs to move on. He has improved individual players which highlights his man management ability, he has got the best out of what he has but now he has a chance to bring in his own players and coaches and really put a stamp on this team and I think he’s earned the right to do that.
Hughes was an excellent striker in his playing days and I think it’s no coincidence that he took over and now our strikers are firing. If he got strikers that he actually recruited I would imagine that would be a huge plus for this side as well.
I do understand that Hughes and his style of play isn’t for everyone but I’d rather play the Hughes way than the Williamson and Simpson way. He deserves this season with full backing to see what he can achieve with his team.
Thanks everyone for reading Paddock Perception, I hope you enjoyed it.
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Paddock Perception 