Carlisle United Football Club can now provide an update on the first-team backroom staff.
Glyn Hodges has left his role as Assistant Coach 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.”
Frankie McAvoy will now join Mark Hughes’ team as first-team coach to fill that role.
McAvoy has over 20 years of coaching experience at the likes of Dunfermline Athletic, Hamilton, Norwich City and Preston North End.
After a successful spell in charge at Preston, first as Interim Head Coach before he got the job on a permanent basis, he joined Hearts as they competed in the Europa Conference League.
He brings experience from the Championship and Scotland, as well as most recently the National League where he was assistant coach at AFC Fylde.
Gavin Skelton today also returns to Brunton Park, joining as a first-team coach in the revamped set up.
Gavin has a long association with the club, both as a player for United, before going on to play for the likes of Workington, Gretna, Kilmarnock, Hamilton and Barrow.
He operated as an Academy coach in 2017 before progressing to Assistant Manager, where he worked under a number of managers as well as having spells as Caretaker Manager before he left in August 2024.
During the 2024/25 season he was appointed first-team coach at Hartlepool United in the National League.
Head Coach, Mark Hughes said: “It wasn't an easy decision for Glyn but he was finding it difficult to get his work-life balance right.
"It's a real shame for me because we worked really well together and he absolutely enjoyed his time here, but he felt he couldn't continue.
"It's an opportunity for the two new guys to come in and embrace what is ahead of us. I haven't worked with either of them before which is a good thing from my point of view because more often than not, I've worked with guys who I've known for many years.
"That's not the case now and I think that's good for me, it gives me variety and different outlooks, so I'm looking forward to having a bit of a refresh.
"Both guys have National League experience which was a little bit of the thinking behind the appointments, but it was more so the qualities they both have.
"I met them both and I was impressed with them as people and as coaches in terms of how they came across.
"Both of them had lots of people vouching for them, saying they were good characters and very good at what they do, so I had no qualms is asking them to get involved and I'm looking forward to working with them both going forward."
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."
