Let me be clear first, I don't think we should bring Hughes back, that ship sailed long, long ago. But to be fair to him on Savage comparisons, Carlise took him on after letting Simpson bring in about 15 players in the transfer window then bombed him off a couple of days after it shut! Carlisle were adrift at that point and he nearly got them out of it. Not to say that's acceptable but there is some context to the situation. I think the damage had been done already at Carlisle, consecutive relegations and a pretty poor culture all told.
This year Carlisle must be very disappointed, they've got a massive wage budget and if Rochdale win their games in hand should realistically run away with it. Given the investment at Carlisle along with their crowds I would think Hughes would be off at end of the season if they're not promoted.