Ahead of TheGame: Manchester City need wins to indicate progress
In today's e-mail bulletin we asked, "After five consecutive draws, is Mark Hughes right to ask the Manchester City fans to be patient?"
Russell Kempson responded: "Time waits for no man, especially Mark Hughes. As the City manager takes his fringe squad members for a few days rest and recreation in Abu Dhabi during the international break, he might reflect on that.
"Hughes has had multimillions to spend on new players and, as a result, has even less time than the average Joe Manager to find success. Average Joe has usually got until tomorrow to lift his first silverware; Mark Hughes should have won it yesterday.
"That is the reality of life at the top table and, as he soaks up the Gulf sun by a swimming pool this week, it might be gently pointed out to him. A record of one defeat in 14 matches in all competitions this season looks fine. On the face of it.
"Yet scratch the surface and it doesn't seem quite so rosy. Is five successive league draws against Aston Villa, Wigan Athletic, Fulham, Birmingham City and Burnley really that good?
"OK, the 1-1 result at Villa Park was not to be sneezed at. But begging the pardon of the other opponents, should not oil-rich City be galloping past them with all the power of a gushing geyser? Sorry, Sparky. It's got to improve. The clock is ticking."
We also reported on David Beckham's withdrawal from the England squad and Oliver Kay assesses Sir Alex Ferguson's reaction to Manchester United's defeat at Stamford Bridge.
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Hughes is a poor manager who has achieved nothing and overspent wildly on mediocre players.
I laughed at the notion they were certs for the top 4 or even worse a title challenger. City will finish 7th or 8th and Hughes will be sacked for a proper manager. Then, and only then can City be taken seriously.
Posted by: DR | 10 Nov 2009 08:39:44
Mark has lived the dream of any manager in the land, an open wallet, 12 new premier league experienced signings, and a full public packing of the chairman and the owner.
The solution to our problem in my opinion is very simple; Hughes needs to start listening to th4 fans and must leave his personal feelings towards players on the side.
He is reluctant to abide to the fans demand and start with Petrov. He insists on the five defensive players formation, he gives his signings too many opportunities even when huge mistakes are made but he is very quick with the axe when it comes to players he didn’t sign (Ireland and Petrov).
These issues have cost us easy points.
On the other hand, Hughes is showing a lot of improvement from last season, and as a City fan, I am sick of my club having more managers walking in and out that men walking in out of the red light district in Amsterdam. I just hope next game to Liverpool, Petrov will start on the left in a 442 formation with Ireland, Barry and SWP and no Santa Cruze upfront.
Posted by: Abid Alshamat | 10 Nov 2009 08:56:25
Surely the point of Santa Cruz was he was a player bought on relatively cheaply (3.5M) to Blackburn, who got some goals.
Spending alot more to bring him to City doesn't make him a world beater, does it? In fact, it changes him not a jot from the bloke who was worth 3.5M.
I would suggest its not a great bit of business bringing him to City.... then again, what would I know?
If that is what Sparky thinks is a sensible way to splash some cash... he has no hope of making a wise investment.
Posted by: Damien | 10 Nov 2009 12:37:02