Cook - No conspiracy theory

City hierarchy admit Italian agreed a deal on Friday

Last updated: 22nd December 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

There are no conspiracy theories. We are working hard every day to make this a successful football club.

Man City chief exec Garry Cook
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Manchester City chief executive Garry Cook insists that there was no 'conspiracy' in the decision to replace former manager Mark Hughes with Roberto Mancini.

The Italian was unveiled as the Premier League side's new boss on Saturday only hours after a 4-3 win over Sunderland at Eastlands as strong rumours were confirmed.

Conjecture had implied that Mancini had been lined up as Hughes' successor several weeks before, but Cook insists that is not the case and that the former Inter Milan boss was only offered the job after a hammering at Tottenham on 16th December.

Cook refused to answer questions during a press conference to unveil Mancini but, after reading a pre-prepared statement, he commented on suggestions of underhand tactics in the dismissal of Hughes.

"I really think we need to know that everybody is committed to making this club one of greatest in the world," Cook said live on Sky Sports News.

Draw a line

"There are no conspiracy theories. We are working hard every day to make this a successful football club.

"We need to draw a line and move on to the future, and that's all I'll say on that subject, thank you."

Cook had admitted at the beginning of the press conference that a deal to appoint Mancini was agreed prior to the victory over Sunderland, Hughes' last game.

"The decision to seriously look at other managerial options was taken just three weeks ago following the Hull City game (28th November)," he said.

"I think it is important to know that Roberto was only offered the job after the Spurs game.

Negotiate

"We negotiated on Thursday, finalised an agreement on Friday and he was not in the stadium on Saturday as was falsely reported."

He continued: "The intention was to tell Mark immediately after the game on Saturday. That would give Roberto and his team a full week to prepare for the next game.

"Regrettably, and despite our best efforts, rumours of discussions with Roberto Mancini became public before the game.

"Once Mark was informed, I informed his coaching staff and the players were then informed. That is why Kolo Toure and Shay Given were asked to attend a meeting after the game."

Cook insists the players did not react badly to Hughes' sacking, despite reports of a rebellion.

"There was no player rebellion, the playing and training staff are going about their business today as usual, most professionally led by Roberto and (assistant manager) Brian Kidd."

Comments (4)

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Dan Lawrence (Manchester City fan) says...

I think Garry Cook is a fool and he is rapidly making our proud club a laughing stock. All he has succeeded in doing since he joined is NOT signing Kaka and then blaming Milan and now along with Marwood getting mark Hughes the sack after a disappointing but still strong start to the season. I do not blame the chairman or owner for this they take their advice from Cook and Marwood and both have a hidden agenda. I wish Mancini well and will give him full support but Sparky you WILL be missed.

Posted 18:01 21st December 2009

Marvin Mandofa (Manchester United fan) says...

I think the way that Man City have acted is a disgrace. The way that Gary Cook has refused to answer any questions from the press, regarding mark Hughes , all but confirms that it was conspiracy, regardless of what he says

Posted 17:55 21st December 2009

Peter Keeling (Manchester City fan) says...

Like the team at the moment Cook has no backbone. Decency demanded that Hughes was told before the game on Saturday. If the chairman flew in at 10am there was time to tell hughes before the game. Disgraceful.

Posted 17:53 21st December 2009

Asif Majid (manchester united fan) (Manchester United fan) says...

Looks to me that Gary Cook is the new Peter Kenyon. Just remember what happened to Kenyon licking upto the hierarchy only to be humiliated at the end.

Posted 17:51 21st December 2009
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