Rob Elliott: Replaces Mark Hughes as Carlisle United head coach

Elliott’s arrival was announced four hours after the club confirmed former Blackburn, Manchester City and Stoke City boss Hughes had left.

Chairman Tom Piatak said in a statement that they were “grateful for the work he has done, the values ​​he has brought and the progress he has made over the season”.

“After open and respectful discussions, both parties have agreed that the time is right for the club to move in different directions,” he added.

Former Newcastle goalkeeper Elliott initially took over the caretaker role at Gateshead in September 2023 following Mike Williamson’s move to Carlisle.

He led the Tyneside side to sixth place but they failed to compete in the play-offs as their ground did not meet the entry criteria for membership of the EFL.

Elliott joined then-League One Crawley in October 2024 but was sacked in 22nd place in the table after six wins from 33 games in charge.

He returned to Gateshead in January with dreadful form at the foot of the fifth tier and they were 11 points behind by the middle of the following month.

However, they ended a run of 13 consecutive league defeats on 17 February, losing just two of their last 15 matches to finish eight points clear of the relegation zone.