FOOTBALL

HUGHES BOOSTED BY NEW BACKING

Mark Hughes: Vote of confidence

Tuesday November 11,2008

By Richard Tanner

MARK HUGHES flies to Abu Dhabi today reassured by a vote of confidence from Manchester City’s new owners that he could be their manager for the next decade.

Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has rubbished suggestions the Abu Dhabi United Group are unhappy with Manchester City’s progress under Hughes and are looking at potential replacements.

He insisted Hughes is a key figure in their long-term plans, saying: “We are building a 10-year dynasty – and we are only in the first two months.”

Al Mubarak also dismissed suggestions that he and owner Sheikh Mansour are reluctant to give Hughes money to spend in the January transfer window and could interfere with his list of targets.

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We are building a 10-year dynasty

Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak

Hughes and executive chairman Garry Cook will meet Mansour in Abu Dhabi tomorrow to discuss transfer strategy with names like Roque Santa Cruz, Wayne Bridge and Torsten Frings believed to be on the hitlist.

One victory in their last seven Premier League games has prompted speculation Mansour is losing patience with Hughes.

But Al Mubarak, who dined at Hughes’ house on Saturday night, said: “We have the highest regard for Mark.

“January is going to be an interesting opportunity for him to improve the team and he is the man who makes the football decisions. We are here to support and make financial decisions.”

Hughes knows results must improve, but also that the new owners will give him time to turn things around.

He said: “I’ve had some great meetings over the weekend. The chairman understands where we are at the moment.

We’ve been hampered by injuries and suspensions. The key is to make sure we are stronger in the future.”

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