Carlisle United manager Mark Hughes has confirmed that the club is exploring a potential free agent signing to add much-needed physicality to the squad.
With the Blues battling at the foot of League Two, Hughes believes reinforcements could provide a much-needed boost in their fight for survival.
Physical presence needed
Speaking to the News & Star, Hughes revealed that a move could be on the cards, though he did not disclose the identity of the potential signing.
“We might do something,” said Hughes.
“We probably lack a little bit of physicality, so we’ll have to address a little bit of that. There might be something happening.”
One name linked with a move to Brunton Park is former MK Dons forward Matt Dennis. The 22-year-old, who started his career in Arsenal’s academy, became a free agent after leaving the Dons by mutual consent on transfer deadline day.
Sporting director Rob Clarkson previously confirmed that the club had room for one more addition, stating last week: “There is potentially one who could come in as a free agent and help us from now until the end of the season.”
Hughes tweaks tactics in survival push
Hughes’ first match in charge ended in a 2-1 defeat to Grimsby Town, with the manager opting for a 4-2-3-1 formation rather than the 3-4-2-1 setup used by his predecessor, Mike Williamson.
The change was aimed at giving the squad a fresh approach after a poor run of form.
“I’m not wedded to any one system,” Hughes explained. “I just looked at the group and what they needed. I felt they needed to change just because they had been playing in a certain way and that hadn’t been a positive thing for them.”
Despite another disappointing result, Hughes praised Carlisle’s travelling support at Blundell Park.
“It’s been great, and I thought the fans [on Saturday] were fantastic. They were really strong and every one of them was with us. We sensed that and wanted to get something positive for everybody, but it wasn’t to be.”
With six defeats in their last seven games, Carlisle remain five points adrift of safety. They now face a crucial match on Tuesday night away at Newport County, where they will be desperate for a result to spark a revival.
Writer’s view
Carlisle’s struggles this season mean Hughes faces an uphill battle to keep them in League Two. His focus on adding physicality suggests he sees toughness as a key area for improvement, but whether a free agent can make an instant impact remains to be seen. The upcoming trip to Newport could prove decisive in shaping the Blues’ fate.
