Mark Hughes Signs Man City Deal

June 4, 2008 by CLDsport

Mark Hughes has officially been confirmed as Man City manager, replacing Sven Goran Eriksson with immediate effect.

The Welshman leaves his Blackburn post after becoming disillusioned with the club’s ambitions in recent times. Hughes has put pen to paper on a 3-year contract with the Eastlands club. The 44-year-old manager will be officially be unveiled at a press conference tomorrow morning.

Hughes agreed to take over at City after meeting new Executive Chairman Garry Cook last night. Mr Cook said on the Man City website:

“I am delighted to welcome Mark on board. In our view he is the brightest young manager in the game and he was our number one target for the manager’s job.

“He made it clear to us from the moment we met that he shared our vision and ambition to make Manchester City one of the top sides in the country.”

He continued:

“The Club intends to invest in new players as well as securing the long term services of key members of the current first team squad.

“Mark has already identified some of the players and backroom staff that he wants to see here at City, and we will begin the process of recruiting them immediately.”

Blackburn chairman John Williams said on the club’s website:

“We have enjoyed a first class, mutually beneficial relationship with Mark. He leaves the club in a strong position with three consecutive top ten finishes and an excellent squad of players.

“In turn, we have helped Mark to establish himself as one of the most sought after young British managers in the business, having previously had no club management experience.

“We wish him well. We would have liked him to stay on, but he made it clear he wanted a fresh challenge.

“Now our focus switches to the search for a successor. We have enjoyed eight years of success and stability with Graeme Souness and Mark and now it is important that we build on our strengths. We must make sure it is three successful appointments in a row.”

Hughes has left the comfort of Blackburn to the somewhat volatile position at City. Eriksson was sacked just one season into his contract, a move that has angered many City fans. But, managing a team that plays in front of 40,000+ fans week in, week out, and the prospect of European football in the UEFA Cup has proved to be too big an opportunity to turn down for the former Wales national coach.

It’s also thought that Shinawatra will back Hughes with funds made available for transfers this summer. The former Man Utd and Chelsea striker has impressed in his 3-and-a-half years at Blackburn, guiding them to 7th last season, and two FA Cup semi-finals. Hughes was one of the front runners for the Newcastle job when Sam Allardyce was sacked earlier in the year, before Kevin Keegan took the job.

What do you think of Hughes’ appointment? Is he taking a risk? With a bigger club comes bigger expectations - just ask Sven!

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