Fa Barclaycard Premiership News Update

Fa Barclaycard Premiership News
( 13 November 2008 )

English Premiership football News

Hughes receives Man City backing
Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has given its full support for manager Mark Hughes after a Board meeting in Abu Dhabi.

An inconsistent start to the season has left the city with only 13 points from 12 games, leading to speculation Hughes could soon be bag.

But Sheikh Mansour said: "Mark my absolute mandate to implement its plans in the short, medium and long term.

"His strategy is convincing and I am delighted that the event to watch."

That's the second time in a week Hughes has received public support of the club, amid reports that the City shows soft so far this season - especially away from home - left under pressure.

Hughes took the only Eastland in June, but the arrival of Sheikh Mansour and his company in Abu Dhabi, United Group as owners of the club led to a complete change of identity for the city.

Their spending power has become suddenly apparently unlimited nearby, while the immediate objectives of the club also sky-rocket, with ADUG spokesman Dr Sulaiman Al-Fahim confirming that he expected the club to be difficult for the Champions League within three years.

However, despite the deadline day of the signing of Robinho £ 32.5m in summer, the city has already suffered defeats in September this season, with only four victories.

Sheikh Mansour insists, however, that the club are fully behind Hughes following a meeting of the association, club president Khaldoon Al Mubarak and executive chairman Garry Cook.

"I find that both Garry and Mark share a vision of success and enthusiasm and the ability to produce on this ambition," Sheikh Mansour told the club website.

"Mark shared with me his plans for how the team should be developed. I am delighted the possibility for men to have a positive impact on the evolution of Manchester City Football Club as a whole.

"I fully support the plans approved by the board of Manchester City as Khaldoon, Mark and Garry shared with me (at the meeting). They reflect our goal to see Manchester City Football Club evolve to become a major force in football .

"Above all, we see that developments on all levels, and being borne by a sustainable approach that has its roots in the club of the Academy, its fans and the relationship with the community of Manchester."

Hughes had earlier tried to play to speak of a "crisis" in Eastland, saying: "Currently, it is all a little hysterical, you have to say. People have to calm down a bit.

"But we will get points on the board because of the quality we have in the team.

"There will always be disappointed if you do not win, but the president and all those who know that great sides are not built overnight."

Welsh and expects to receive the full support of the board when the transfer window opens in the new year, said: "We will discuss things and get more quality in the club and the team because c That is what we must do to move forward. "

The need for a city to add to the team in January was pointed out in advance the trip to Hull City on Sunday, with Richard Dunne, Gelson Fernandes and Michael Johnson to join the list of missing, though Vincent Kompany should be fit to return to action.
by bbcnews.