City agree deal for Hughes.

[ShadyAftermath2k]

Blackburn have confirmed they have reached agreement with Manchester City over compensation for manager Mark Hughes.

Hughes, who has also been linked to the vacant managerial position at Chelsea, is now expected to replace Sven-Goran Eriksson, who left City by mutual consent on Monday.
A figure of £5 million is thought to have been agreed on, which Blackburn will receive for the loss of both Hughes and his backroom staff.

A statement issued on City's official website read: "Blackburn Rovers can confirm they have reached an agreement with Manchester City on compensation terms for Mark Hughes.

"As a consequence the club have given Manchester City permission to speak to Mark."

The job became available after City owner Thaksin Shinawatra displayed a ruthless streak by wielding the axe in Eriksson's direction, despite a promising start to the Swede's Premier League career.

City ended last season in ninth place and qualified for the UEFA Cup via the Fair Play League, but it was not enough for the former Thai premier, who demands instant success for his hefty investment in the club.

Should Hughes now finalise a deal with City, he will arrive at Eastlands in the knowledge he has that substantial financial backing from Thaksin, who is expected to make available more funds to bolster the squad.

Barcelona star Ronaldinho has already been linked with City and Hughes is reported to want both midfielder David BentleyRoque Santa Cruz to follow him from Ewood Park. and striker
Hughes has been with Blackburn since 2004, since when he has guided Rovers into Europe twice and once taken them to a top six Premier League finish.

Meanwhile, Hans Backe and Tord Grip have followed Eriksson out of Eastlands, leaving their posts as assistant manager and first-team coach respectively.

Chief executive Alistair Mackintosh told City's official website:

"Both Hans and Tord made a positive impact on those involved with Manchester City over the course of the season.
"We thank them for their contribution and wish them every success in the future."

 

[Bus-Conductor]

I think this could be a very dangerous move. I think Hughes is a good manager, factor in a sugar daddy and a decent squad already and I think ManCity will be a very tough proposition next year.

 

[ShadyAftermath2k]

True, i think Hughes is stupid to take this really. After all they sacked a higher profiled manager, after having one of there best seasons, for a very, very long time.

He's risking everything, i think.

 

[worcestersauce]

But if he takes and gets sacked he's still quids in.

Didn't Ron Atkinson once say "All I want is one good sacking"

Will he be more dangerous than Erikson?

 

[Coyboy]

Anyone else feel bad for Blackburn? It's no use worrying about other clubs. City won't do that well, they will have trouble attracting top players and Thaskin will get pissed off when, not if, they don't get into the top four in his first season.

 

[KingKay]

I find it a little funny how Hughes was telling bentley not that long ago that he wudn't be going anywhere and that he should honour his contract with Blackburn. Then next minute he decides to jump ship when a bigger oppurttunity and higher paid job comes in for himself. A little hypocritical me thinks!

 

[jimmy-jojo]

I think this could be a very dangerous move. I think Hughes is a good manager, factor in a sugar daddy and a decent squad already and I think ManCity will be a very tough proposition next year.

I actually think this is better for us. Hughes is a good manager but is far from high-profile, which means it will be much harder for them to attract players...no matter how much cash they throw at it.

If it was someone like Scolari, a sugar daddy and a decent squad, I'd be much more concerned.