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Hughes appointed Manchester City boss

04/06/2008

Blackburn Rovers boss Mark Hughes has been appointed manager of Manchester City.

The 44-year-old former striker, who made his name with the team's crosstown rivals, agreed the move yesterday evening following talks with City executive chairman Garry Cook.

Hughes' appointment on a three-year contract was then confirmed by club chairman Dr Thaksin Shinawatra and he takes up his new post with immediate effect.

Speaking about the appointment, Cook told the club's official website: "I am delighted to welcome Mark on board. In our view he is the brightest young manager in the game and he was our number one target for the manager's job.

"He made it clear to us from the moment we met that he shared our vision and ambition to make Manchester City one of the top sides in the country."

Cook, who described working with City owner Dr Shinawatra as a "privilege", added: "There is no better opportunity in world football."

Cook revealed that Hughes will be given a substantial transfer fund with which to attract new players, with rumours suggesting Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz will be top of his wish-list.

"The club intends to invest in new players as well as securing the long-term services of key members of the current first-team squad," Cook continued.

"Mark has already identified some of the players and backroom staff that he wants to see here at City, and we will begin the process of recruiting them immediately."

Hughes replaces former manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who left the club on Monday "by mutual consent" and was yesterday unveiled as the new coach of Mexico.

The former England boss' departure ended weeks of speculation that he would be let go by Dr Shinawatra, despite guiding City to their best league finish in three decades and into Europe ahead of next season.