Manchester City Football Club

• Nickname:Sky Blues
• Founded:1887
• Manager:Roberto Mancini

• Ground:City of Manchester Stadium
• Capacity:47805

Hughes handed top-six target

19 May 2009 - 12:35:23

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Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has warned Mark Hughes that he is expected to secure a top-six finish next season.

Speaking earlier in the week, Al Mubarak dismissed speculation which suggested Hughes could be axed in the summer after failing to secure European football for next season.

But, although lending his support to the former Wales and Blackburn Rovers boss, Hughes has been left under no illusions about the expectations he must satisfy next year.

"I think a reasonable target next season is the top six," he told the club's official website.

"I think people see me as a reasonable and realistic man and I think given what we have done this year and the ambitions we have this summer, a top-six finish next year should be a reasonable and achievable target."

Meanwhile, Al Mubarak has pledged to back Hughes once again in the summer transfer market.

He added: "There will be money for new players this off-season. The areas in which the team needs us to invest are clear.

"We need more depth and to fill the weaker areas within the squad and plans are already advanced."

However, the City chief claims that the club are building responsibly for the future rather than just splashing out on players in cavalier fashion.

The transfer policy of the Eastlands club was widely criticised following their failed £100million move for AC Milan's Brazil star Kaka back in January.

"We all know we are not going to splash money around, because that model, that formula, doesn't work," he claimed.

"You're not going to buy 22 new players and then the next year you win the Premier League.

"It needs to be done sustainably, with quality management, quality infra-structure and a quality manager by the pitch.

"That's what we are doing. The players will come and the results will come."