Dear Supporters,
As promised, the Board have completed a comprehensive, top-to-bottom review of Carlisle United Football Club. Led by myself and supported by independent football and business specialists, every aspect of the club has been examined in detail.
This has been a thorough and far-reaching process, covering:
• Club Governance & Strategic Oversight:
- The systems and processes for Board-level leadership, oversight, accountability, and football understanding.
• Football Operations Structure:
- Football Recruitment Department & Strategy: the planning, scouting, decision-making, and execution behind player signings.
- Football Culture & Standards: the daily behaviours, values, and expectations of players and staff.
- Player Contracts, Retention & Wage Structure: the commercial framework that underpins squad management and financial sustainability.
- Medical, Sports Science & Player Welfare: the health, performance, and well-being infrastructure critical to success.
• Academy Operations:
- The player development pipeline and support structures bridging youth and senior football.
• Club Business Operations:
- The commercial, marketing, media, partnerships, and operational functions are currently under external review with GSW to unlock growth.
• Club Vision, Mission & Carlisle “DNA”:
- The underlying identity and long-term direction of the club, which must anchor every decision, behaviour, and ambition.
We assessed roles, responsibilities, and accountability across all levels including, staff, directors, and the Board. We evaluated systems, decision-making processes, and the overall organisational structure. Many staff and players were consulted directly, including those who have recently left, joined mid-season, or served the club during recent promotions and relegations. We also spoke with former staff and players, owners and directors at other clubs, industry advisors, and respected figures in professional football.
External advisors such as Reed Consulting and General Sports Worldwide provided independent assessments and recommendations. We’ve also benefited from the insight of Paul Hart, who has joined us to advise and support the Board.
The key findings, conclusions, and our responses have already shaped the decisions and actions taken since the end of the season. They continue to guide what is happening now and what we are building towards.
The performance over the past two seasons has been unacceptable. A full reset was required and this is now underway.
Club Governance & Strategic Oversight
The Board must be equipped to assess football operations and make informed decisions. We have expanded our football knowledge base, starting with the appointments of Marc Tierney and Mark Hughes, and we will continue to work with advisors to strengthen our football decision-making. This deeper insight will improve Board level scrutiny and strategic guidance of football performance.
Football Culture & Standards
The decline of the past two seasons must be reversed. Instability in player and staff turnover led to a fractured culture and weak football leadership. That is changing.
We reappointed Mark Hughes as Head Coach, with Glyn Hodges continuing as Assistant Coach, to bring stability, experience, and strong leadership. An additional first team coach will be added to further strengthen us on the training ground and on matchdays. Jamie Devitt will return to his Academy role with our thanks for stepping in on an interim basis. Jack Cudworth will return in his role as Head of Goalkeeping.
One of the most critical findings from the review was that overall fitness levels and professional standards across the squad fell well short of what is required to compete and succeed. Inadequate preparation, inconsistent conditioning, and a lack of collective sharpness directly impacted performance and results.
Since joining, Mark Hughes quickly identified these shortcomings and began addressing them. While standards improved towards the end of the season, the damage had already been done.
That will not be tolerated going forward. We are implementing a structured, measurable approach to fitness and performance management. Our aim is to be the fittest, best-prepared team in the National League, backed by clear expectations, accountability, and high-performance support across every department.
Recruitment Department & Strategy
Recruitment over the past three windows has not met our expectations. Despite investing in scouting, recruitment, and data, we have not achieved the necessary results. Resources were underutilised, and the process was overly influenced by the personal preferences of individual decision-makers.
We are overhauling our scouting and recruitment model to better support the needs of the Head Coach and football leadership. The new model is structured, systematic, and focused on identifying players who fit our football identity, so we can build a team that Carlisle United supporters believe in and are proud to support.
Academy Operations
The Academy is essential to Carlisle United’s long-term future. We are committed to strengthening the player development pipeline by improving coaching standards, recruitment, and progression pathways for young talent. The structure must bridge the gap between youth and senior football more effectively.
This means clearer transition plans for our top academy players, better integration with first team operations, and a focus on both football development and character. We are also reviewing the support systems around education, welfare, and facilities to create a high-performance environment for our youth players.
Club Business Operations
Off the pitch, we expect the same high standards. With support from GSW, we are driving improvements in commercial revenue, partnerships, catering, hospitality, marketing, and media. Opportunities for growth are clear, we will make the changes required to bring the improvements we need.
Club Vision, Mission & Carlisle “DNA”
We are developing a new strategic framework to guide every part of Carlisle United. This includes a refreshed vision, mission, and values that define who we are and where we are headed.
Looking Ahead
The fire of ambition within the club is stronger than ever; to win, grow, and inspire, by building a high-performing, inclusive club rooted in integrity, ambition, and exceptional teamwork.
Our goal is clear: assemble a squad capable of promotion, supported by modern, effective infrastructure and high standards in every department. Carlisle United belongs in the EFL and our entire focus is on getting back there and pushing forward.
We know it will take hard work, discipline, and unity, but we are ready.
Finally
We remain fully committed, financially, operationally, and emotionally to restoring Carlisle United to where it belongs.
With over 3,000 season tickets already sold, we are deeply grateful for your belief in the club. That support fuels everything we do. The future is ours to shape and with your continued backing, we will return Carlisle United to where it belongs: a club competing with pride, progressing with purpose, and making you proud every step of the way.
Up the Blues,
Chairman, Tom Piatak
