Source: Daily_Mail
Gutted Mark Hughes hits back at City chiefs to insist he was on track for glory
Axed: Mark Hughes[LNB]Mark Hughes has confirmed that he was not informed he was going to besacked prior to Manchester City's Barclays Premier League victory over Sunderland.[LNB]Hughes' reign as City boss came to an end in the immediateaftermath of the 4-3 win on Saturday, with the club's Abu Dhabi-based ownersannouncing Roberto Mancini as his replacement.[LNB]His demeanour during and after the win at Eastlandsindicated he was aware of the board's decision to terminate hiscontract prior to the game, but Hughes insists that was not infact the case.[LNB]In a statement issued by the League Managers' Association, Hughessaid: "I was informed after yesterday's match against Sunderland thatmy contract with Manchester City was being terminated with immediateeffect.[LNB]"Notwithstanding media coverage to the contrary, I was given no forewarning as to the club's decision.[LNB]"Given the speed with which my successor's appointment wasannounced, it would appear that the club had made its decision someconsiderable time ago."[LNB]Hughes added that he believed firmly that he had the club ontarget to achieve their pre-season expectations, with City lying insixth place after just two league losses all season at the time of hissacking.[LNB]"I am extremely disappointed not to have been given the opportunity to see through my plans at the club," Hughes continued.[LNB]"At the beginning of the season I sat down with the owners and itwas agreed that a realistic target for the season would be sixth placein the Barclays Premier League, or in the region of 70 points. [LNB] In the hot seat: Roberto Mancini[LNB]"All of this was communicated to the players and we all knew where we stood.[LNB]"Whilst everyone at the club would obviously have wanted to seemore wins, we were absolutely on target at the time of my dismissal.[LNB]"Only recently we had terrific victories against both Arsenal and Chelsea." [LNB]City chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak revealed the decision to sack Hughes had beentaken in response to a run of just two wins in 11 in the Premier League.[LNB]City's woes stem largely from too many drawn matches, the club having only losta thrilling Manchester derby and at Tottenham in midweek.Hughes' sacking triggered an angry reaction from a group of players who remainsolidly behind the Welshman. [LNB]While Robinho, a £32.5million purchase imposed on Hughes, and maybe even theaxed Emmanuel Adebayor, will shed no tears at Hughes' exit, the core of City'sside, including Shay Given, Craig Bellamy and Gareth Barry, were part of adeputation that urged chief executive Garry Cook to reverse the decision todismiss a man who was only appointed 18 months ago.[LNB]Given Hughes' exit had been plotted for over a fortnight, it had no effect.[LNB]"I am very proud of the fact that I steered the club through the mostsignificant period of change in its history," Hughes continued.[LNB]"I have always been aware of the responsibility that comes with being affordedthe luxury of a significant transfer budget, and I was grateful that the clubsupported me with significant investment in players.[LNB]"I very much regret, however, that I will not now be able to enjoy the successthat would undoubtedly have followed in the light of that investment.[LNB] Axe men: Khaldoon all Mubarak and Garry Cook[LNB]"I believe that I have handled with dignity the recent pressure placed upon meby press speculation. [LNB]"I would like to thank the fans for their support throughout my time at theclub and particularly at this difficult time, and I wish the club every successin the future, particularly in relation to the forthcoming Carling Cupsemi-final, the club's first semi-final for 28 years."[LNB]Mancini will be unveiled as City's new manager tomorrow knowing his first taskis to restore order to a dressing room in revolt.But the Italian will also come into a job his predecessor found was subject tothe shifting expectations of the club's owners, according to LMA chief executiveRichard Bevan. [LNB]Bevan told BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme: "Mark is very realisticabout the situation. He knew the key goals he had to hit. His target actually was the top six. Hewas very disappointed because they were on target for that.[LNB]"For me, his reputation is still intact.[LNB] Drooped: Emmanuel Adebayor and Robinho[LNB]"Only two defeats - the fewest in the league - semi-finals of the Carling Cup,to me it looks like the goalposts were moved and the decision was made some timeago that he wasn't to continue in his role past today.[LNB]"I'm very disappointed for Mark and indeed the City fans. Mark would have delivered continued success without doubt if more time hadbeen afforded to him and his staff, but he's left a platform for the nextmanager without doubt." [LNB]Bevan added: "I think Mark and everybody else in this country realises thatyou can't buy trophies in one season. If they [overseas owners] feel that, then we'll continue with the sackingsand we'll continue with affinity lost to our clubs in England, because I'mpretty sure the Manchester City fans will be sorry to see Mark go. [LNB]"If you come in as an overseas owner, you need to embrace the city, thesupporters, not just the trophy cabinet."[LNB] Hughes axed: Players' fury over sacking as Italian Mancini is new manager at City GARY LINEKER: Liverpool's Alberto Aquilani... possibly the worst £20m ever spent on a player Man City 4 Sunderland 3: Santa Cruz at the double for Hughes' last standRobinho switch from Manchester City to Barcelona a case of 'when not if'
