Obtained from the official website of Manchester City FC, chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has crushed the hearts of the media by reiterating to the fans that Mark Hughes’ position as manager of the club is safe, and he has also spoken of the importance of stability, the expectations for the 2009/10 Premiership season and the academy.
The Manager
“Every time I have spoken, I have said the we have the highest confidence in Mark, and I would like to re-iterate that now. Mark will be our manager next season - nothing has changed.
When you consider how things have gone since January, I think we have accomplished things and now we can start focusing on next season. For once this club can have a pre-season. This is a club that has had ten managers in 15 years - it is hard to believe we have ever had a real pre-season.”
This Season
"I always knew this was going to be a difficult season, there were no illusions in my mind. It was even more difficult than I had anticipated, but I never thought it was going to be a walk in the park.
There were high expectations but the reality is that this was a club that was eighth in the table. I'm proud because it was very clear in my mind what needed to be done, and we've done it.
We said we would have a first season of learning and building on and off the field, and that is what we have done. We said we would build a club for the future, and we have done that."
Objectives For 2009/10
"I think people see me as a reasonable and realistic man, and I think given what we have done this year and the ambitions we have this summer, a top-six finish next year should be a reasonable and achievable target.
There will be money for new players this off-season. The areas in which the team needs us to invest are clear. We need more depth and to fill the weaker areas within the squad and plans are already advanced.
We all know we are not going to splash money around, because that model, that formula, doesn't work. You're not going to buy 22 new players and then the next year you win the Premier League.
It needs to be done sustainably, with quality management, quality infra-structure and a quality manager by the pitch. That's what we are doing. The players will come, and the results will come."
The Academy
"We will not forget the Academy. It is key to our discussions. We have to be able to create that nice balance between a quality, strong first team with depth but at the same time retain the ability to bring in young, talented individuals.
We have all seen what they (Ireland and Onuoha) have done since getting in the side. They have had fantastic seasons and there are more within the Academy. We need a good platform to bring the young lads into the team."
The Fans
"The fans are the heart and soul of this club - we have some great fans, that's one of the gems at this club and one of the things that I have found most satisfying.
They have stuck with the club through hard times and good times. There have been hard times this year and I appreciated their support. It will be rewarded in the years to come.
I'll never forget the Hamburg game, that was an incredible showing by our fans. We gave our hearts out to the players that night. It leaves a hunger to go back. We want that again, and I think we'll get it."
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