Source: Daily_Mail
Hughes risks fan fury by sending City youth chief Cassell to Abu Dhabi
Mark Hughes has taken the biggest gamble of his Manchester City reign so far by agreeing to move revered youth academy director Jim Cassell from his current position to head up a new scheme in Abu Dhabi.
Cassell is widely accepted to be the best youth coach in the Barclays Premier League and has seen 27 youngsters graduate to first-team level during his many years in charge, as well as lifting a host of trophies at junior level.
But Sportsmail can reveal that Cassell has agreed to a request to step down from his position to head up a new worldwide youth venture in the Middle East, even though he will have a Manchester base, too.
The move endorsed by Hughes and executive chairman Garry Cook comes at the end of a 12-month spell that saw tension grow between Cassell and the manager. City last night denied that this was a motivation behind the move and have portrayed the switch as a step forward.
The 62-year-old will receive a pay rise when he starts his new role in December and is even quoted on the club's official website as saying that he is 'thrilled to be part of such a groundbreaking venture'. Nevertheless, the working relationship between Cassell and the first-team coaching staff was very difficult last season, with the youth coach unhappy at being asked to 'loan' his players for first-team sessions and Hughes's team, in turn, finding him difficult to work with.
It is understood that Cassell, who was not available for comment last night, initially accepted the new post without too much hesitation, but, on reflection, has been left puzzled and saddened by a decision that effectively removes him from his post as youth overlord. It has also been decided that two other coaches, Alex Gibson who led City to a prestigious FA Youth Cup triumph two seasons ago and ex-club captain Paul Power, should go to Abu Dhabi, too.
Current academy coach Andy Welsh, who has worked with academies at Leeds United and Manchester United, will be promoted to the top position, while there will be an increased role for technical director Mike Rigg, who moved from Blackburn with Hughes last season. Rigg and Cassell have also endured an up-and-down relationship in the last year.
City fans will be alarmed by news of Cassell's new role. He is revered for bringing through players like Micah Richards and Stephen Ireland. As long as Hughes wins games this season, then Cassell's new role will not be an issue. It could, however, be a problem for the manager and Cook if things do not go well. Cook insisted the academy will still be a priority, saying: 'We have the kids close to our heart and will not let our academy go off track.'
Hughes last night insisted that City will not pay over the odds for Everton defender Joleon Lescott. City have had a £19million bid rejected and Hughes said: 'We have a value of the player and we will not go beyond that. Nothing is happening at the moment.'
