Exclusive: Jon Mellish Set for Homecoming? Carlisle Weigh Up Former Star’s Return

Carlisle are preparing an audacious swoop for Jon Mellish to return to Cumbria, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

Fan favourite Mellish spent a happy five-and-a-half seasons at the Cumbrians before the club cashed in on the player during the January transfer window.

But Mellish has struggled since making the move to Wigan Athletic and our sources have been told the 27-year-old is welcome to find a new club. 

Versatile Mellish can play in either defence or midfield, making him a sought-after proposition. 

Mellish made 15 league starts for the Latics after making the move midway through last season, but has come off the bench twice for Ryan Lowe this term.

And his fall down the pecking order at the DW Stadium saw the former England C international play for the club’s under-21s in midweek. 

Carlisle boss Mark Hughes is understood to be happy for a return for the player as the club look to make an immediate assault on the National League.

Promotion is all that will be accepted by the Cumbrians’ hierarchy after their 20-year spell in the Football League came to a tame end last season. 

But there are a number of League Two clubs who have been put on red alert by Mellish's situation at Wigan.

Carlisle rivals Barrow are desperate to bolster their numbers after an early-season injury crisis.

Whilst, League Two new boys Oldham Athletic are also exploring the possibility of offering the player a way out of the DW.

Home Away From Home

Born in South Shields, Mellish made over 200 appearances during his time at Carlisle, which included the Wembley play-off triumph in 2023, scoring 27 times for the club.

And speaking of his time at Wigan last season, he said: “It's been a funny one, coming in during January, my first big move, and at times it's been harder than I thought.”

“I've needed to get settled in the area, settled at the club, trying to get into the team."

“Having been at Carlisle for so long, I hadn't experienced much change, I was very used to my surroundings.”