Carlisle United have confirmed the departure of first-team coach Ian Watson, just two weeks after the sacking of former head coach Mike Williamson.
Watson, who arrived at Brunton Park alongside Williamson from MK Dons last September, has now left the club, with Carlisle opting not to replace him. His departure follows that of goalkeeping coach Tom Weal, who also exited last week.
Watson Leaves as Backroom Changes Continue
It marks another adjustment in the backroom staff under new head coach Mark Hughes, who was appointed earlier this month. Despite Watson being part of Hughes’ team for the first three matches against Grimsby Town, Newport County, and Colchester United, the club has now decided to move forward without him.
“We’d like to thank Ian for his hard work during his time here and wish him well in the future. There are currently no plans for any further staff changes.” – Rob Clarkson, Carlisle United sporting director
Unlike Weal, whose departure prompted the arrival of Jack Cudworth as his replacement, Watson’s role will not be filled, with Carlisle seemingly content with their current coaching structure.
Hughes Makes His Own Mark
Upon his arrival, Hughes swiftly brought in his assistant Glyn Hodges, shifting the club’s coaching setup. Watson, who had effectively served as Williamson’s assistant, remained in place initially but now follows his former boss out of the door.
Watson’s involvement had extended beyond his primary duties, as he was even seen assisting with goalkeeping preparations in Weal’s absence at Newport. However, his exit raises further questions about the level of continuity within the backroom staff.
These departures contrast with earlier remarks from Clarkson, who previously emphasised stability when discussing Hughes’ appointment.
“We can’t have a big turnaround of staff… generally in the game now, you bring an assistant and you work with the existing staff. That’s the model that I think is the best for us moving forward.” – Rob Clarkson
Despite this, three of the five coaches who joined from MK Dons last autumn have now left, with only performance director Chris Bell and head of performance Toby Frost remaining.
Writer’s View
The departure of Watson signals another shift in Carlisle’s coaching team as Hughes looks to shape his own setup. While continuity was initially seen as a priority, the recent exits suggest that a quiet overhaul is taking place. Whether this approach will bring stability to a club struggling for consistency on the pitch remains to be seen.
