Mark Hughes refused to be drawn on his future after Carlisle’s relegation to the National League was confirmed.
The Cumbrians lost 3-2 at Cheltenham and Tranmere’s home win over Crewe meant the result at the EV Charger Points Stadium was immaterial in the end.
Former Wales and Manchester City boss Hughes took over in early February with the club in a dire position and, despite taking it to the penultimate game, the 936 travelling fans saw their team condemned to the drop to non-league football for a second time.
“I can’t criticise the players too much today because they’ve given everything, as they have done in recent weeks,” Hughes said.
“Today it was just a step too far and we’ve come up short.
“Nobody gave us any hope of getting to this point and still have a chance of staying in the league and we have affected it in a positive manner.
“But the situation we found ourselves in ultimately wasn’t one we could turn around.
“It’s going to be difficult for the club and everybody connected but the key is we bounce back very, very quickly.
“It’s not the time to discuss my future today, a few minutes after the game, but I am sure conversations will be taking place.
“It’s been a really hard season for everyone connected with Carlisle United, not least the fans.
“They could see the team was really trying to at least win this game, but it wasn’t to be.”
Carlisle took the lead through Matthew Dennis but Jordan Thomas levelled from the spot and Ashley Hay put the home side in front just before half-time.
Georgie Kelly headed Carlisle level in the second half, but George Miller won it for Cheltenham at the end.
Kelly missed an early chance, blasting over the bar in the 10th minute but Gabe Breeze saved well from Hay at the other end.
Carlisle struck first when Stephen Wearne flicked on Aaron Hayden’s ball and Dennis raced through and beat Joe Day with a low finish in the 29th minute.
Cheltenham were awarded a penalty when Breeze was adjudged to have tripped Jordan Thomas and Thomas converted in the 33rd minute.
Cheltenham led when Ethon Archer’s ball over the top was reached by Hay, who finished confidently in the 45th minute.
Carlisle levelled when Elliot Embleton’s cross was nodded in from close range by Kelly in the 73rd minute but Miller struck three minutes into time added on to seal the points.
Robins boss Michael Flynn – a proud Welshman – had sympathy for Hughes and said he hopes the club make a swift return to the EFL.
“It’s always difficult when you see a team get relegated,” Flynn said. “I don’t like it, it doesn’t give me any satisfaction and Mark Hughes is a smashing manager and smashing man.
“Carlisle is a club steeped in tradition and I hope they bounce back next season. I wish them all the best.”
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