MARK HUGHES THREAD (all hughes opinions in here please)

[Im_Spartacus]

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/sam-wallace-sheikh-should-avoid-the-madness--of-madrid-and-stick-with-hughes-1831141.html

Good read here, think a few who are deeply unsettled should remember this project isn't overnight.

I stopped reading after

let us hope that the sheikh sees sense and does not dispose of Mark Hughes, his young manager

. What makes Hughes young? He's 47.

Much as it distressed me to do so, I wiki'd taggart, as so many people seem to think that since he was successful given time, the same should apply to any manager. So, by the time he was 47, he'd won the Scottish 1st division, the Premier Division 3 times, 4 Scottish Cups, a Scottish League Cup, A Cup Winners' Cup, a UEFA Super Cup and was on his way to his 1st trophy with the rags, not to mention his unsuccessful finals. I would suggest that record earned him time. One semi-final with Blackburn does not.

EXCELLLENT example BS76
When he was 48 after an "early season run of six defeats and two draws in eight games, a banner declaring "Three years of excuses and it's still crap. Ta ra Fergie." was displayed at Old Trafford". We're not there yet at the ground even if some are on this board. But be careful what we wish for

So, is the game against Arsenal's kids Hughes equivalent to the FA cup game where Mark Robins supposedly saved his career?

[Colin the King]

Said as much to KK at the match earlier, if we're knocked out of the cup on Wednesday and don't win again on Saturday (Chelsea or not), it's time for Hughes to be chopped. I didn't want him to begin with, got used to the idea of him being the manager, then around this time last year got a bit fed up, then when it became clear he was being given another season decided to pack in the arguing and see how things went. Well, this is it for me. 7 points from a possible 21 would be inexcusable for the vast majority of teams, never mind one with aspirations of a Champions League finish and £250million spent.

It's not team selections- they are generally quite sensible. It's not tactical changes- they are generally quite sensible. It's a very obvious lack of a winning mentality, fight or character in a lot of these players. If they're not willing to perform for the manager- well, it makes them wankers- but it also makes Hughes' position untenable.

So, give us a special week Hughes to save yourself or get one of those lovely grey suits pressed and head down the job centre. It's in your hands.

Did not expect that from you ! Judge a season against Arsenal's kids, best in Europe & A Chelsea side who are beating everyone easily ! including in the last month Rags, Scousers, Arsenal. Porto away ! Good job Wenger, was not here we would be up for a Lynching nothing won in 5 yrs, If he wins both does he get an extension of another 2 yrs, What a way to build a club. Everyone is frustrated, but sacking a manager because the media want it and we can delever it again, sums up City for 30 yrs and counting, fans who know it is a backwards step, but say fuck it lets get another manager for the sake of it. And for those who want Jose check out Barca v Inter, the style of play was condemed as thuggary in both Italy and Spain, Inter play ugly hit and hope football,nothing but long ball, kick and body check players all night, Jose is not the solution, we are not Chelsea, we are miles away. What is the surprise to fans 6th with a game in hand it is not made up look at the table. I accept lucky to be 6th with so many draws, As for winning mentalty if the players had half of what Hughes showed as a player then we would be OK, they need to sort themselfs out but this is not the time for sacking a manager, this is the time to sit back and accept the long term is the plan, and the owners judgement.

No mate, I'm not saying judge a season on two games against Arsenal and Chelsea. I'm saying judge it on how many points we've accumulated. Had we beaten Burnley, Fulham and Hull at home a defeat to Chelsea would be acceptable and we'd still be well on track. The unfortunate reality now is having drawn those games, if we lose on Saturday, the guys above us will start to pull away. We could be 9th or 10th with a really tight run of games to follow.

The argument about stability is brought up a lot, but my own belief is that stability for the sake of it isn't progressive either. Let's be honest- why did we sack Clarke, Machin, Ball, Pearce? They weren't good enough. Our problem over the years was idiotic chairmen who couldn't appoint the right man for the job in the first place- The Sheikh and Khaldoon haven't had the chance to do that yet because Hughes was here before they arrived.

As for Mourinho, I never said he was the answer to our problems, and never would. As a season ticket holder I want to see decent football and he certainly doesn't bring that. It's about finding the balance. Attractive football that brings results is what we all want to see- I'm 99% sure Mourinho can't give us both and, unfortunately, am pretty sure Hughes can't either, on the evidence of the last 18 months. We've played some beautiful football- Portsmouth, Hull, Stoke last season, Arsenal in the current one- but there's no sign of consistency. How long, and how much expenditure, before we can expect to see that?

The thing is though, I'd LOVE to come into this thread on Sunday morning and be called up on all of the above. If we're doing well, Hughes is too and I'd be absolutely thrilled for it to work out that way. Let's see.

[Beefymcfc]

Sorry for this but, from what I've seen on here tonight, a lot are not actually seeking to intelligently debate, or even put the good of the club to the fore. It's as if people are angry and somehow believe that the magic wand can be cast to stop this never ending merry-go round of draws.

Well, for me, it may be Hughes' head on the chopping block, but some of those 20 to 30 million pound players have to take responsibility for their performances. I would hazard a guess that every single person was happy with Hughes on 90% of the signings he has made, and from the stats and games I've seen, we should've won most of those games easily. If they can't get themselves motivated for the game, or to push out a full 90 minutes, then it's not just down to the manager, whichever way you look at it!!!

Hiddink or Mourinho may be a solution, but I think a better one would be at the moment, for a few of the players we have, to start performing and put the ball in the back of the net! The manager can be moved on very soon for all I care, but the Semi-Final of the Carling Cup cannot!

[Socrates]

so if you were in charge you'd get shut of the man who got us into the CC semi and got us in the top half dozen while beating Arse and Chelsea at ours and losing only once in 18 games?

5 wins Alex. None since September. "Not losing" is NOT going to get us anywhere. It sums Hughes up perfectly though. He isn't a winner. He's a "not loser."

so if you were in charge you'd get shut of the man who got us into the CC semi and got us in the top half dozen while beating Arse and Chelsea at ours and losing only once in 18 games?

If I was in charge he'd have been gone ten months ago.

I feel that despite your nervousness about Platini's plans, you are coming back round to the view that we couldn't do much worse with anyone else in charge.

Welcome back, put your feet up, it's cosy in here.

He still has a chance to rediscover the early boldness we saw and start producing the goods but he needs to do it NOW. This week. These 2 games. I don't think he has it in him but am willing him to prove me wrong.

If we don't see a spectacular turnaround then I will be coming to the sad conclusion that there is no chance he will get us to the top 4 so get in someone with at least half a chance. Whether that means an 18 month sticking plaster job with Hiddink, or a long term appointment, I have no idea.

[Im From Manchester]

Some of our fans need a BIG reality check. They really are sounding like spoiled rags.

We are 18 months into a project to turn us from premier league also rans to champions league and ultimately premier league champions.

13 games into the rebuild and people have given up the ghost on the basis of 7 games. ridiculous. We have only spent circa £200 million to build a 'new' team Chelsea have spent over £45o million and were building from a substantially stronger base - they were already challenging for champions league and trophies when Mourinho took over.

We have 22 points and but for some poor refereeing decisions could be significantly better off points wise. I think its fair to say that in at least 4 of the recent draws wins would have been fairer reflections on the games. The rags were on 25 points at this stage last season and WON the premiership.

Progress or lack of it can only truly be measured at the end of the season.

This idea that it wasn't ADUGS decision to appoint Hughes is tripe they could easily have got rid of Hughes at the start of the project if they didn't want him or agree with the appointment. The fact they kept him on and have backed him in the transfer market make him their man.

I can only see progress and the good thing is that I can also see us only getting better - not just over the next two games - but over the season. Time for the lily livered to start backing the team and the manager as without that we are only making the job harder and that is counter to any City fans objectives surely ?

[zuricity]

Ian from Manchester.

Your comments are quite reasonable.

Now cast your mind back to when Sven was appointed and apply all those arguments to what Sven had as his mandate.

It's exponentially worse, because of the amounts of money, time, and resources made available to the current manager. For example, the argument 'it takes time' . Well Sven had only a few weeks didn't he ?

I am not for one minute saying Sven is better, or Hughes is worse. I'm just saying, consider the resources made available to each of the last four managers, reviewed in terms of the conditions to which they accepted the job and the current regime have underperformed considerably. Moreover, we've stopped playing football. Almost criminal in my eyes, at least we've always been known for playing offensive football. Well since I've been watching and that's when Kevan was #9 ).

[lets all have a disco]

If we had Sven as manager and 200 million cash,im telling you we'd have had 200 million pounds worth of Benjani's,Bianci's et all and the most disgustingly expensive spa at the changing ground.

[BobKowalski]

If we had Sven as manager and 200 million cash,im telling you we'd have had 200 million pounds worth of Benjani's,Bianci's et all and the most disgustingly expensive spa at the changing ground.

And be in the top 4 right now :)

Sven also bought Petrov, Elano, Boj and Charlie - I miss Charlie but ah well thats football for you. But much as I enjoyed Sven's season in charge I really think we should move on. Besides much as it amuses me to see Hughes being lauded for clearing out the deadwood, slackers and disenters it would, according to the Telegraph today, appear that Hughes will have to do the same thing again. However this time there will be 'due diligence' done on the new players (right attitude and all that) so we should get a better batch for the next £200m spent.

Personally I think Hughes is working on the theory that if he buys enough players two things will happen 1) is that eventually he will find 11 players who will finally 'gell' togther for him and 2) no one else will have enough players to field a full team thereby guaranteeing us victory and ultimate success.

Genius when you think about it.

[gilford]

Personally I think Hughes is working on the theory that if he buys enough players two things will happen 1) is that eventually he will find 11 players who will finally 'gell' togther for him and 2) no one else will have enough players to field a full team thereby guaranteeing us victory and ultimate success.

Genius when you think about it.

Superb mate!

[colonel_muck]

Ian from Manchester.

Your comments are quite reasonable.

Now cast your mind back to when Sven was appointed and apply all those arguments to what Sven had as his mandate.

It's exponentially worse, because of the amounts of money, time, and resources made available to the current manager. For example, the argument 'it takes time' . Well Sven had only a few weeks didn't he ?

I am not for one minute saying Sven is better, or Hughes is worse. I'm just saying, consider the resources made available to each of the last four managers, reviewed in terms of the conditions to which they accepted the job and the current regime have underperformed considerably. Moreover, we've stopped playing football. Almost criminal in my eyes, at least we've always been known for playing offensive football. Well since I've been watching and that's when Kevan was #9 ).

i don't think we have stopped playing football mate, hate to repeat the same old thing but i genuinely do believe that teams are putting more men behind the ball to frustrate us. at the moment we play like Liverpool, but we need to pass the ball around the area a bit more and be a bit more patient like they were last year. the fast flowing football from the keegan and early sven days has changed but i still think we are set up to play nice football.

[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.

[Chipster]

Lets forget Hughes for a moment! As a city fan surely there can be no better time to be positive and get behind the team, we potentially have a top 4 team, we have a great fan base, we have a great stadium and we possibly have the best opportunity in any of our life times to go on to dominate English football yet you can come on this forum morning noon and night and find virtually nothing positive but a whole diatribe of nonsense.

I don't know one single person on this forum personally but I would hazard a guess that not many have seen the inside of a boardroom or maybe a few have high flying jobs with the banks hence the current state of our economy if you react to situations in a similar way in a work place!

Strip it bare, forget the ex rag tag, forget camparing Hughes to whom ever just get behind the team, the club, dare I say the management and results will improve he might not be proven but neither was Fergie, wenger or any other name you want to throw into the hat in the early stages of their management!

Simply as someone mentioned in an earlier point we are approx where we all wanted to be and OK at times things have not been as they should be but for fecks sake chill out Hughes can and I believe will take us on to compete at the top but there will be rocky times as well.

Hard hat now in position - press submit

[dikdik]

WHERE HAVE ALL THE FANS GONE?!

After chilling in my seat during the last two home games my biggest concern at the moment is the cathedral like quiet from our fans during games! There seems to be too many arm chair pundits at the moment and not enough people making noise in COMS itself. How can the team get going when the only noise you seem to hear for most of the match comes from the away supporters.

Come on lads.
Wednesday night.
Let's hear you!!!

PS I don't think Mark Hughes has authority over his players. That's my four penneth. TTFN.

[Beefymcfc]

Some very good posts recently, thanks for taking the time to put down your thoughts. They are well received by this Blue Boy!

[Blue2]

WHERE HAVE ALL THE FANS GONE?!

After chilling in my seat during the last two home games my biggest concern at the moment is the cathedral like quiet from our fans during games! There seems to be too many arm chair pundits at the moment and not enough people making noise in COMS itself. How can the team get going when the only noise you seem to hear for most of the match comes from the away supporters.

Come on lads.
Wednesday night.
Let's hear you!!!

PS I don't think Mark Hughes has authority over his players. That's my four penneth. TTFN.

The problem is - how can the fans get going when they are watching what we are at the moment ? Dont see much from the millionaire players to get the fans excited. Not saying its is right to be like that, but thats the way it is.

[gilford]

WHERE HAVE ALL THE FANS GONE?!

After chilling in my seat during the last two home games my biggest concern at the moment is the cathedral like quiet from our fans during games! There seems to be too many arm chair pundits at the moment and not enough people making noise in COMS itself. How can the team get going when the only noise you seem to hear for most of the match comes from the away supporters.

Come on lads.
Wednesday night.
Let's hear you!!!

PS I don't think Mark Hughes has authority over his players. That's my four penneth. TTFN.

The problem is - how can the fans get going when they are watching what we are at the moment ? Dont see much from the millionaire players to get the fans excited. Not saying its is right to be like that, but thats the way it is.

I live over 2 hours away from COMS, so it is a good day out to go there, but I will be damned if I'm travelling all that way to watch the performance the players are putting on.

We have a dream team on paper, its just a shame we have a monkey coordinating them...........

[Alex Sapphire]

WHERE HAVE ALL THE FANS GONE?!

After chilling in my seat during the last two home games my biggest concern at the moment is the cathedral like quiet from our fans during games! There seems to be too many arm chair pundits at the moment and not enough people making noise in COMS itself. How can the team get going when the only noise you seem to hear for most of the match comes from the away supporters.

Come on lads.
Wednesday night.
Let's hear you!!!

PS I don't think Mark Hughes has authority over his players. That's my four penneth. TTFN.

The problem is - how can the fans get going when they are watching what we are at the moment ? Dont see much from the millionaire players to get the fans excited. Not saying its is right to be like that, but thats the way it is.

I live over 2 hours away from COMS, so it is a good day out to go there, but I will be damned if I'm travelling all that way to watch the performance the players are putting on.

We have a dream team on paper, its just a shame we have a monkey coordinating them...........

Wed Nov 25th 16.25, you wrote...

I'm not a lover of MH as I'm sure most of you are aware, but he cannot be held responsible for the lack of effort our players are putting in. Tevez and Lescott to name just 2 are playing terrible at the moment! I feel only Bellamy is really trying for us!

Until the new team is gelling then I cannot start another hate campaign, it is just not fair, so I will wait until the end of January to give my true opinion...........

monkey hate hey?

[gilford]

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

[Alex Sapphire]

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

it did feel like a loss din't it :)

[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......