Bevan blasts impatient Blues

LMA chief slams City for sacking Hughes

Last updated: 20th December 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Bevan blasts impatient Blues

Hughes: City exit

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League Managers Association chief executive Richard Bevan has criticised Manchester City for parting with Mark Hughes.

Hughes was relieved of his duties at Eastlands on Saturday, with Italian tactician Robert Mancini immediately installed as his successor.

The decision appears harsh on the Welshman as he had just seen his troops prevail 4-3 in a thrilling contest with Sunderland and had suffered only two defeats in the Premier League all season.

However, City's owners decided that a run of only two wins in 11 outings was enough to warrant a change in the dugout.

Reports have suggested that Hughes was aware of his impending fate prior to the home date with the Black Cats, but Bevan insists that was not the case and has blasted the Blues' board for their handling of the situation.

"I spoke to Mark last night and he found out immediately after the game when he was called into a meeting and informed that his contract was being terminated, but I think the decision had probably been taken some time ago," Bevan said.

"I think Mark and everybody else in this country realises that you can't buy trophies in one season.

"If they [overseas owners] feel that, then we'll continue with the sackings and we'll continue with affinity lost to our clubs in England, because I'm pretty sure the Manchester City fans will be sorry to see Mark go.

"If you come in as an overseas owner, you need to embrace the city, the supporters, not just the trophy cabinet."

Realistic

While Bevan accepts that Hughes will be bitterly disappointed to find himself on the managerial scrapheap, he believes the former Blackburn boss can leave his post with his head held high.

"Mark is very realistic about the situation," Bevan said.

"He knew the key goals he had to hit. His target actually was the top six. He was very disappointed because they were on target for that.

"For me, his reputation is still intact.

"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 time ago that he wasn't to continue in his role past today.

"I'm very disappointed for Mark and indeed the City fans.

"Mark would have delivered continued success without doubt if more time had been afforded to him and his staff, but he's left a platform for the next manager without doubt."

Comments (12)

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Andy Simpson says...

Thank goodness Sparky has gone before winning anything - and become forever associated with the bluenoses. We can now go back to having back as the United legend he is. Bye bye City - glad to see that nothing ever changes.

Posted 08:04 21st December 2009

Jue Heaven says...

I think this was on the cards from when they first bought the club you can't just buy players and expect them to play as a team too many individuals to make a team they should learn there's no I in team

Posted 07:50 21st December 2009

Antoni Barret says...

To the new owners: I will never support Man. City anymore. Mark Hughes has been much appreciated in our country as a player for big clubs and as a coach with Blakburn and with those ungrateful owners for whom only money counts.

Posted 04:10 21st December 2009

Philip Boulton says...

It is about time all the fans of the beautiful game realised it,s not a sport any more it is a business, and business relies on results, l feel for Mark Hughes he was a footballer turned manager who was doing a great job as he always does a thorough professional, unfortunately his employers do not know the English game and the difficulty of getting into the top ranks, all they see is the amounts of money for getting into Europe and the Champions league that will benefit their shareholders. The new owners should be looking at the players after all they are the ones with the boots on the pitch but of course they are full of money not committment, the Manager cannot play for them aswell as hold their hands. l am very sure Mark will bounce back and lets hope he meets up with the City team he was building and gets a good result.

Posted 00:56 21st December 2009

Harry Martin says...

The sacking of Mark Hughes was as crazy and ill-judged as it was ruthless. In 18 months, Mark reversed 30 years of decline. He is the best young manager in the Prem, and has enhanced his reputation at City. The club's reputation meanwhile, now lies on the floor. I've been going to City games for over 40 years. The past 30 years have been characterised by crazy sackings. This one tops the lot. HARRY OF CHEADLE HULME

Posted 00:35 21st December 2009

Michael Beaumont says...

Could there be a backlash? Mark was building a team, they were starting to gel. Will the players have a desire to play for their new boss? They may now play halfheartedly. What have they to lose. Other managers will put in offers. We'll see in the coming weeks. And what happens if the new boss loses the first few matches? Will he be shown the back door. The City fans deserve Mark Hughes; undoubtedly he would have brought success. From a Leeds fan.

Posted 23:29 20th December 2009

Jacob Mason says...

I have been a city supporter 50 years and the way they have conducted the sacking of Mark Hughes is a disgrace not only to him but to the supporters.They lack integrity.They have come in with all their money which I must admit I thought like thousands was going to be our salvation.I think whoever takes the job if they don`t get the results they will be sacked.The job has become a poison chalice.I think Marks tactics were poor,the job came to early in his career.In another 5 to 10 years when he`s got the experience I think he will be one of the countries finest managers.

Posted 21:38 20th December 2009

Rich Dawson says...

Been a city fan for 20+ years! Always disliked hughes - good riddance.

Posted 20:52 20th December 2009

Steve Fisher (Manchester City fan) says...

I have recently moved to Canada but being born and raised in Manchester I have follwed Manchester City for 35 years. I think the sacking of Mark Hughes was completely the wrong decision. Two defeats so far in the season does not warrant a change of manager. We might not have won as many games as we should but as the vast majority of people know, it takes time to build a strong, consistent winning team. Mark Hughes was certainly on the right road and I only hope the substantial progress made so far will not be put in jeopardy by the clubs decision. Good luck to Mark Hughes for the future, I along with many other City fans are sad to see him go...

Posted 20:11 20th December 2009

Alan Murray says...

This shows what money is power,its sad to see something like this happen in the premiership,bringing in another foreign manager,it shows how clubs treat there staff look at what happened at newcastle some unknow mr ashley buys a club and look what happened changing the name where do some people get off.another british manager sacked,these foreign manager are laughing all the way,they never think off the supporters,its disgracefull.

Posted 18:46 20th December 2009

Wendy Wrigley says...

I along with many Manchester City fans, was very disappointed when Sven got the boot - same old City, same old story - no one manager is given a chance. Now it seems that Mark is another one!!! i have been a season ticket holder for 38 years and year in year out have had to put up with the good and the bad! - I honestly think that this is among the Bad. We need stability FIRST, then whatever will follow will come!!!! In my opinion Gary Cook should hold his head in shame, and what goes around comes around - watch that place in between youir shoulder blades Gary - because next time someone else will be holding the Knife!!!!

Posted 17:06 20th December 2009

Robert Thompson (Leeds United fan) says...

I think it's a disgrace that foreign owners are coming to england and expecting immediate success,18 months is not enough time to build a club from under achieving into world beaters,look at the mess they are making of QPR. Good luck to Mark in future, he's a top class manager and will prove that in the future

Posted 16:54 20th December 2009
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