MARK HUGHES THREAD (all hughes opinions in here please)

[Beefymcfc]

That was before we lost to Hull mate, I'm allowed to change my mind aren't I ;-)

Would you like to change your mind again ;-)

[gilford]

Exactly....................... DOH ;-)

Must engage brain before typing.................

[dikdik]

I live in London

[Lev Bronstein]

Whilst a debate about the pros and cons and of MH might be entertaining for us, it's important to realise that our
influence on the owners is minimal. They will decide who is manager of the club not us.

I'm sure that there are those in the club who monitor sites like ours. If they do, no doubt they will have noted those who were against Hughes from the start, those who were supportive and those who were agnostic. They might - repeat might - take notice if the pro-Hughes posters start becoming anti-Hughes. The powers that be might - repeat might - take notice if the team are booed at every opportunity. Let's be honest, outside "Swales Out" level of protests they are unlikely to change their minds about Hughes because of what the fans say.

Beyond public statements, which you can decide to take at face value or not, I've no real idea what the owners are thinking, and I would imagine the same is true of everyone on this board. For all I know Hiddinck is being appointed as I type this.

However, let's indulge in a little speculation.

In the first place the money the owners have spent on the club is small change as far as ADUG is concerned. They've been quite open about the desire to use ownership of City to raise the profile of Abu Dhabi and make a statement about themselves.

Secondly, when they bought the club alot of the press assumed that they'd sack Hughes at the first opportunity, that they were only having a bit of fun and like spoilt children they would take their toys away when they got bored etc etc etc.

They seem quite keen to refute this notion and want to paint themselves as responsible owners.

That involves accumulating a reputation for backing the manager. For staying calm and steady whilst others are twitching and not pressing the panic button after a bad couple of months. Damping down, as far as possible, damaging speculation. For building and sustaining a constructive relationship between themselves and the manager. Without such a reputation, managing City would be a less attractive job to the better managers.

All in all, they need to show that they are in for the long term. Sacking Hughes now does not send that message.

it's important to realise that our
influence on the owners is minimal.

I DONT BELEIVE THAT MATE - I BELIEVE THAT THE FANS HAVE A BIG SAY ON WHOS IN CHARGE AND ARE VERY INFLUENCIAL IN OWNERS DECISIONS.
THE FANS SHOWED THEIR DISGUST AGAINST HULL - IF THINGS DONT IMPROVE THOSE BOOS WILL BE SOUNDING OUT ALL THE TIME.
WHAT REALLY ANNOYS ME IS WE ARE STARTING TO FILL THE STADIUM AND WE CANNOT GIVE THE FANS A WIN FOR LOVE OR MONEY............

ON THE SACKING OF HUGHES - I DONT THINK IT WILL SEND OUT A NEGATIVE MESSAGE,200 MILLION SPENT,HE,S BEEN HERE GOING ON 2 YEARS..........I THINK THEY WOULD NOT BE FROWNED UPON IF THEY DID GET RID,ALL DEPENDS ON WHO THEY REPLACE HIM WITH......

Events can make fools of anyone.

I agree that things can't keep going on the way they are. But, I think the owners are going to show more patience with Hughes than quite a few on here. First I think that they think it gives them alot of credibility. Second, if they can gain a reputation for not sacking the manager at the drop of a hat it gives them more elbow room in future. ("You know we don't get rid of managers easily at City, but after two games in charge we knew Jose/Gus wasn't going to work out"). Look what it's done for Steve Gibson's reputation.

As for the influence of the fans, well, if we riot on the streets (and we aren't at that stage yet) we might get rid of a manager, but, the owners aren't going to send out voting forms on the appointment of a new one. Sure, they like to keep the fans onside but they won't want their hands tied.



(On a different note, I've a couple of mates who've been to Lima and said it was a bit of a dump - is it as bad as they say?)

[carl_feedthegoat]

Whilst a debate about the pros and cons and of MH might be entertaining for us, it's important to realise that our
influence on the owners is minimal. They will decide who is manager of the club not us.

I'm sure that there are those in the club who monitor sites like ours. If they do, no doubt they will have noted those who were against Hughes from the start, those who were supportive and those who were agnostic. They might - repeat might - take notice if the pro-Hughes posters start becoming anti-Hughes. The powers that be might - repeat might - take notice if the team are booed at every opportunity. Let's be honest, outside "Swales Out" level of protests they are unlikely to change their minds about Hughes because of what the fans say.

Beyond public statements, which you can decide to take at face value or not, I've no real idea what the owners are thinking, and I would imagine the same is true of everyone on this board. For all I know Hiddinck is being appointed as I type this.

However, let's indulge in a little speculation.

In the first place the money the owners have spent on the club is small change as far as ADUG is concerned. They've been quite open about the desire to use ownership of City to raise the profile of Abu Dhabi and make a statement about themselves.

Secondly, when they bought the club alot of the press assumed that they'd sack Hughes at the first opportunity, that they were only having a bit of fun and like spoilt children they would take their toys away when they got bored etc etc etc.

They seem quite keen to refute this notion and want to paint themselves as responsible owners.

That involves accumulating a reputation for backing the manager. For staying calm and steady whilst others are twitching and not pressing the panic button after a bad couple of months. Damping down, as far as possible, damaging speculation. For building and sustaining a constructive relationship between themselves and the manager. Without such a reputation, managing City would be a less attractive job to the better managers.

All in all, they need to show that they are in for the long term. Sacking Hughes now does not send that message.

it's important to realise that our
influence on the owners is minimal.

I DONT BELEIVE THAT MATE - I BELIEVE THAT THE FANS HAVE A BIG SAY ON WHOS IN CHARGE AND ARE VERY INFLUENCIAL IN OWNERS DECISIONS.
THE FANS SHOWED THEIR DISGUST AGAINST HULL - IF THINGS DONT IMPROVE THOSE BOOS WILL BE SOUNDING OUT ALL THE TIME.
WHAT REALLY ANNOYS ME IS WE ARE STARTING TO FILL THE STADIUM AND WE CANNOT GIVE THE FANS A WIN FOR LOVE OR MONEY............

ON THE SACKING OF HUGHES - I DONT THINK IT WILL SEND OUT A NEGATIVE MESSAGE,200 MILLION SPENT,HE,S BEEN HERE GOING ON 2 YEARS..........I THINK THEY WOULD NOT BE FROWNED UPON IF THEY DID GET RID,ALL DEPENDS ON WHO THEY REPLACE HIM WITH......

Events can make fools of anyone.

I agree that things can't keep going on the way they are. But, I think the owners are going to show more patience with Hughes than quite a few on here. First I think that they think it gives them alot of credibility. Second, if they can gain a reputation for not sacking the manager at the drop of a hat it gives them more elbow room in future. ("You know we don't get rid of managers easily at City, but after two games in charge we knew Jose/Gus wasn't going to work out"). Look what it's done for Steve Gibson's reputation.

As for the influence of the fans, well, if we riot on the streets (and we aren't at that stage yet) we might get rid of a manager, but, the owners aren't going to send out voting forms on the appointment of a new one. Sure, they like to keep the fans onside but they won't want their hands tied.



(On a different note, I've a couple of mates who've been to Lima and said it was a bit of a dump - is it as bad as they say?)

I HEAR WHAT YOUR SAYING LEV RE; OWNERS ECT.........

ON THE LIMA FRONT YES THE MOST PART IT IS A DUMP AS IT,S BASICALLY BUILT ON A DESERT SO IT,S NOT SO PRETTY!!.......IT,S LIKE ANY LATIN COUNTRY THOUGH WHERE YOU HAVE THE NICE PARTS AND THE NOT SO NICE PARTS.
I LIVE ON THE SEA FRONT WHERE IT IS REALLY NICE..LOTS OF TREES AND VERY VERY SAFE,MIRALFORES,BARRANCO AND SAN ISIDRO ARE WHERE THE MONEY IS AND WHERE THE INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE LIVE - THERE ARE FANTASTIC RESTAURANTS AND THINGS TO DO........THE REST OF LIMA IS SHITE AND WE JUST DONT GO THERE.

MOST PEOPLE COME TO LIMA TO THEN GO ON TO THE AMAZON AND MACHU PICHU......PERU IS FUCKING IMMENSE..SO MUCH TO DO HERE.
IM USED TO IT NOW......CANT COMPLAIN REALLY.

[Blue2]

Whilst a debate about the pros and cons and of MH might be entertaining for us, it's important to realise that our
influence on the owners is minimal. They will decide who is manager of the club not us.

I'm sure that there are those in the club who monitor sites like ours. If they do, no doubt they will have noted those who were against Hughes from the start, those who were supportive and those who were agnostic. They might - repeat might - take notice if the pro-Hughes posters start becoming anti-Hughes. The powers that be might - repeat might - take notice if the team are booed at every opportunity. Let's be honest, outside "Swales Out" level of protests they are unlikely to change their minds about Hughes because of what the fans say.

Beyond public statements, which you can decide to take at face value or not, I've no real idea what the owners are thinking, and I would imagine the same is true of everyone on this board. For all I know Hiddinck is being appointed as I type this.

However, let's indulge in a little speculation.

In the first place the money the owners have spent on the club is small change as far as ADUG is concerned. They've been quite open about the desire to use ownership of City to raise the profile of Abu Dhabi and make a statement about themselves.

Secondly, when they bought the club alot of the press assumed that they'd sack Hughes at the first opportunity, that they were only having a bit of fun and like spoilt children they would take their toys away when they got bored etc etc etc.

They seem quite keen to refute this notion and want to paint themselves as responsible owners.

That involves accumulating a reputation for backing the manager. For staying calm and steady whilst others are twitching and not pressing the panic button after a bad couple of months. Damping down, as far as possible, damaging speculation. For building and sustaining a constructive relationship between themselves and the manager. Without such a reputation, managing City would be a less attractive job to the better managers.

All in all, they need to show that they are in for the long term. Sacking Hughes now does not send that message.

it's important to realise that our
influence on the owners is minimal.

I DONT BELEIVE THAT MATE - I BELIEVE THAT THE FANS HAVE A BIG SAY ON WHOS IN CHARGE AND ARE VERY INFLUENCIAL IN OWNERS DECISIONS.
THE FANS SHOWED THEIR DISGUST AGAINST HULL - IF THINGS DONT IMPROVE THOSE BOOS WILL BE SOUNDING OUT ALL THE TIME.
WHAT REALLY ANNOYS ME IS WE ARE STARTING TO FILL THE STADIUM AND WE CANNOT GIVE THE FANS A WIN FOR LOVE OR MONEY............

ON THE SACKING OF HUGHES - I DONT THINK IT WILL SEND OUT A NEGATIVE MESSAGE,200 MILLION SPENT,HE,S BEEN HERE GOING ON 2 YEARS..........I THINK THEY WOULD NOT BE FROWNED UPON IF THEY DID GET RID,ALL DEPENDS ON WHO THEY REPLACE HIM WITH......

Events can make fools of anyone.

I agree that things can't keep going on the way they are. But, I think the owners are going to show more patience with Hughes than quite a few on here. First I think that they think it gives them alot of credibility. Second, if they can gain a reputation for not sacking the manager at the drop of a hat it gives them more elbow room in future. ("You know we don't get rid of managers easily at City, but after two games in charge we knew Jose/Gus wasn't going to work out"). Look what it's done for Steve Gibson's reputation.

As for the influence of the fans, well, if we riot on the streets (and we aren't at that stage yet) we might get rid of a manager, but, the owners aren't going to send out voting forms on the appointment of a new one. Sure, they like to keep the fans onside but they won't want their hands tied.



(On a different note, I've a couple of mates who've been to Lima and said it was a bit of a dump - is it as bad as they say?)

and look where Midlesborough are.

[Mike J]

one of his latest quotes

'my teams are always stronger in the second half of the season'

shall we just forget about the 1st half then Mark?

[gilford]

one of his latest quotes

'my teams are always stronger in the second half of the season'

shall we just forget about the 1st half then Mark?

lol

[Mr Miyagi]

That involves accumulating a reputation for backing the manager. For staying calm and steady whilst others are twitching and not pressing the panic button after a bad couple of months. Damping down, as far as possible, damaging speculation. For building and sustaining a constructive relationship between themselves and the manager. Without such a reputation, managing City would be a less attractive job to the better managers.

All in all, they need to show that they are in for the long term. Sacking Hughes now does not send that message.

I agree 100%. I think they have made a tactical decision to do this. They have been looking beyond Hughes right from the start.

In January I don't think Hughes will spend as big as he wants to because I expect the owners are getting concerned about Hughes. But on the other hand, by then, we could be in semi of the Carling and around 5th in the league. So why rock the boat now? When I think in those terms then there is no way they would sack the manager and I would agree with them.... provided we are in the semi of the cup and in top 5 of league...

[Beefymcfc]

That involves accumulating a reputation for backing the manager. For staying calm and steady whilst others are twitching and not pressing the panic button after a bad couple of months. Damping down, as far as possible, damaging speculation. For building and sustaining a constructive relationship between themselves and the manager. Without such a reputation, managing City would be a less attractive job to the better managers.

All in all, they need to show that they are in for the long term. Sacking Hughes now does not send that message.

I agree 100%. I think they have made a tactical decision to do this. They have been looking beyond Hughes right from the start.

In January I don't think Hughes will spend as big as he wants to because I expect the owners are getting concerned about Hughes. But on the other hand, by then, we could be in semi of the Carling and around 5th in the league. So why rock the boat now? When I think in those terms then there is no way they would sack the manager and I would agree with them.... provided we are in the semi of the cup and in top 5 of league...

Well done mate, he's got a chance then?

[Citizen of Oslo]

He is starting to develop a few features I like, Mr Hughes. It's December and we haven't lost a game after 90 minutes, fergie time was needed. He survives. He wins when it matters. He delivers when the pressure is on. He builds a City with steel. He takes us to a semi-final. Against local opposition. The last time was in -76. We won 4-0 against our neighbours then. Before we won the trophy. Nearly 34 years ago. The team from just outside Manchester with a former blue as their biggest hero still holds the record. 37 years without a trophy(1911-1948). Only history judges fairly. I'm still on the fence but Hughes has got a few things counting for him.

[ant london]

I have to say I was impressed with his selection last night, he made some big decisions which paid off

Persevering with SWP
Switching destructive De Jong for a more offensively capable Barry
Not using Robinho
Bringing on both Kompany and Weiss to steel us and stretch them

I liked how we were set up last night....confidence appeared to be the key though. I was pretty amazed (but impressed....really impressed) with the confident performance that the team pulled out when all backs were against the wall.

They have been stuttering but it cannot be denied that this side has more character than I've seen in a City side in recent memory

One spring does not make a summer though and I still have misgivings about why we had descended into such a sparkless funk. But hopefully we are heading out of it now.

Viva el City

[gilford]

I thoroughly enjoyed last nights game, and feel we dominated for a good part if not all of the game, and this is a lot to do with the confidence the team had.

Why we cannot play like that week in week out is beyond me, and if Lesley sorts that out I think we will smash the top 4.

That is a big IF though.....................

[sandman]

Hughes Out... We beat a youth team, and that pleases me, but he is still under performing!!

[gilford]

Hughes Out... We beat a youth team, and that pleases me, but he is still under performing!!

Totally agree, but it was a good match to watch ;-)

[colonel_muck]

two or three years ago that arsenal team would have turned us over he's got us to our first semi final in my lifetime so he deserves to stay for the rest of the season at the very least. all good teams have stutters in a season, if our stutter means we didn't lose any games thats fine with me

[Wonderwall]

he did everything right last night, but he must continue to do this. Outsmarting Wenger is nice, but outsmarting Ancelotti will be even nicer on Saturday

[Alex Sapphire]

two or three years ago that arsenal team would have turned us over he's got us to our first semi final in my lifetime so he deserves to stay for the rest of the season at the very least. all good teams have stutters in a season, if our stutter means we didn't lose any games thats fine with me

They did. I was there

Last Time

[Hazy]

Mark Hughes, has to be given until the end of the season, what is the point of the fans adding to the speculation over his future, Listening to some the visitors in the East stand,I game 1 game in a season Loons shouting complete nonsense at a misplaced pass and in the same breath blaming the manager, there is a clear under-current of Hughes has to go I hate him, I hope he wins the League cup, I wonder at times what some fans hope for! lose so we can sack him praying that he does fuck all & they can spout I told you so. Face it we are progressing we are in the last 4, 1981 was the last time, if running this club was so easy someone explain the last 30 yrs. Hughes needs support like anyone, looking ahead at Saturday Anelka, who did not give a toss about City for 6 months when he walked around Coms picking up his money for doing fucking nothing but sulk, will get more support than our Manager ! how is that possible.Hughes in.

[BobKowalski]

... there is a clear under-current of Hughes has to go I hate him...

There is truth in that. Leaving aside the fact I don't rate him as a manager I can't stand the fellow to be honest. How much my disliking Hughes colours my judgement on his abilities is open to debate, although the fact that last night he equalled his highest point in any competition in 10 years of management is more to the point. Even Fat Sam managed that last night from his sick bed :)