Mark Hughes[Coach]

[Freddy Adu]

Mark Hughes
Personal information
Full name	Leslie Mark Hughes
Date of birth	November 1, 1963 (1963-11-01) (age 43)
Place of birth	Ruabon, Wrexham, Wales
Height	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Playing position	Forward
Club information
Current club	Blackburn Rovers (manager)
Senior clubs1
Years	Club	App (Gls)*
1980–1986 1986–1987 1987–1988 1988–1995 1995–1998 1998–2000 2000 2000–2002	Manchester United Barcelona → Bayern Munich (loan) Manchester United Chelsea Southampton Everton Blackburn Rovers Total	089 0(37) 028 00(4) 018 00(6) 256 0(82) 095 0(25) 052 00(2) 018 00(1) 050 00(6) 606 (163)
National team
1984–1999	Wales	072 0(16)
Teams managed
1999-2004 2004-	Wales Blackburn Rovers

[Freddy Adu]

Hughes delighted with "inventive" Blackburn

Three first half goals set Blackburn on their way to a 4-2 home win over struggling Reading.

Benni McCarthy scored his first of the afternoon on 16 minutes and provider Roque Santa Cruz added the second five minutes later.

Rovers seemed set for a comfortable victory when Tugay hit a glorious third from all of 30 yards as Reading looked a side who had lost four of their last six games.

In the second half Blackburn lost their way as Reading poured forward in trying to save the game. They gave themselves a glimmer of hope when substitute Kevin Doyle headed a late goal but within a minute Rovers restored their three goal advantage with a McCarthy penalty.

Doyle got his second in injury time but it was Blackburn who held on for their sixth win in seven home games.

"I thought we where excellent the first half, enthused the Blackburn boss, Mark Hughes.

"We where really inventive in the final third with our interplay and speed of movement. It was difficult for them (Reading) to cope at times.

"Three goals before half time is something of a rarity for me but I quite enjoyed it. Second half the intensity of our play dropped which is somewhat understandable but we never lost our grip on the game.

"Disappointed with conceding from set pieces but apart from that I thought we were good value today."

[Freddy Adu]

Blackburn boss excited by McCarthy-Santa Cruz partnership

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes was full of praise for his central strike partnership of Roque Santa Cruz and Benni McCarthy, both of whom scored in the 4-2 home defeat of Reading.

"Their quicker, bigger and stronger than I ever was. Yeah, their not bad!

"They are good players. Some of their play today was excellent.

"Technically they are very proficient football players. They are comfortable on the ball, can link up play, be creative in the final third and bring other players into the game."

[Freddy Adu]

Blackburn boss Hughes happy to hold back Nelsen

Blackburn Rovers boss Mark Hughes says he was happy to hold back Ryan Nelsen for yesterday's victory over Reading.

The New Zealand international returned to training earlier in the week after recovering from the hamstring strain that had kept him out of action for the last month and was expected to be in the 16-man squad for the match at Ewood Park.

But speaking to Radio Rovers, Hughes explained: "He was close in fairness, but I think it is a case that Andre Ooijer has done exceptionally well in place of Ryan so there isn't that urgency to get him back.

"We have to be a little careful with Ryan, but the extra week will do him good."

[Freddy Adu]

Blackburn boss Hughes critical of Toshak comments

Mark Hughes believes John Toshack may have inadvertently sparked what Craig Bellamy described as Wales fans' "vicious" abuse of their own players during the European Championship qualifier in San Marino.

Wales captain Bellamy and his team-mates were upset with the amount of vitriol directed at the team by some of the 400 travelling supporters during Wednesday night's 2-1 Euro 2008 qualifying victory.

In the build-up to the match, the manager Toshack had accused his "pampered" stars of lacking fight and fans reportedly chanted "You're not fit to wear the shirt" during the match.

The Blackburn manager Hughes, whom Toshack replaced as Wales manager three years ago, believes his successor may have added fuel to the fire.

"I think maybe that was the problem the other night," he said. "Maybe the fact it was a small crowd as well meant individuals could pick up on what individual fans were saying to them. If those things are personally directed at certain individuals, it's not a nice situation to be in.

"Maybe that was primed because of the comments at the weekend. Maybe it was to be expected because of the circumstances."

Toshack is under pressure following a poor qualifying campaign, but Hughes would not be drawn on whether he thinks the former Liverpool striker will keep his job. "I've no idea," he said. "I think he's got a contract until 2010 and I'm sure that will be the case."

[Amo-te Benfica]

Tottenham Interest:


Hughes in the frame

Sevilla coach Juande Ramos has been linked with the manager's position at White Hart Lane this season but tabloid speculation now suggests Tottenham are lining up Mark Hughes to replace Jol.
Hughes has impressed at Blackburn in recent years and Spurs bosses are reportedly ready to make an offer for his services.

[Amo-te Benfica]

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes has moved to quash talk linking him with taking over at Tottenham.


Martin Jol was sacked by Spurs on Thursday evening and Hughes has been installed as the bookmakers' second favourite to replace the Dutchman.


But ahead of Blackburn's trip to White Hart Lane, the Rovers manager has ruled himself out of contention for the Tottenham job.


"I've seen my name a couple of times linked with it but I just view that as a reflection on the job myself and the staff are doing here, and the players are doing," Hughes said.


"My interest is solely in Blackburn Rovers."


Hughes believes Spurs have already made a decision on their next manager, with Sevilla coach Juande Ramos hotly tipped to take charge.


He said: "I would suggest any appointment that's to be made is obviously in place."

Poor timing

The former Wales coach admitted the speculation surrounding him was ill-timed with Blackburn playing Tottenham on Sunday.


"It's an inconvenience when you're going up against the team that you're supposedly linked with," Hughes added. "You can do without that."




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[histon]

he would be a good manager at tottenham

[Freddy Adu]

Blackburn boss Hughes: No Reid risk

Blackburn Rovers boss Mark Hughes won't take any risks with Steven Reid's comeback.

"We are not going to rush Steven back," said Hughes.

"Even though we've lost a senior first-team player (Savage), we've waited so long for Steven to come back that it's really important that he's given the right amount of time to be ready.

"If Steven needs a little bit more time, or if there are any doubts that maybe a few extra days will help him, then that's what he will get.

"We have got to keep it steady with Steven. It's important that he's fit and strong and able to keep up with the demands of the Premier League.

"The process is on-going. He's not had enough games yet, he needs the games before we even consider him for the first-team."

Reid suffered a catalogue of injuries, including cruciate knee ligament damage, that kept him sidelined since August last year.

But Hughes is delighted with the progress that the former Millwall midfielder has made.

He told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph: "He looks fit, strong and really positive. He's got a smile on his face and he's done okay in the games he's been involved in.

"We are happy with what we've seen from him."

[Freddy Adu]

Blackburn's Savage tips Hughes for Man Utd job

Blackburn Rovers midfielder Robbie Savage believes manager Mark Hughes is the ideal candidate to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

"I think our gaffer is a completely different character (to Fergie); he's probably a lot quieter," former United trainee Savage told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

"But I honestly believe our manager has got a great chance of being the next Manchester United manager.

"He's got that same aura about him and if the job was available tomorrow, I think Mark Hughes would get it.

"But as a Blackburn player, I want him to stay here for a long time yet."

[Freddy Adu]

Blackburn can cause Man Utd problems - Hughes

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes believes his side are capable of 'causing Manchester United problems' at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Rovers have made an impressive start to this season and currently sit sixth in the Premier League after losing only once this term.

"We're on the back of a great run of form and results are going for us," Hughes told Sky Sports News.

"We are playing with a lot of confidence and the players are enjoying the situation they find themselves in and they are looking forward to games.

"Obviously it will be another big test going up against United at Old Trafford, they are an exceptional side this year.

"They seem to have a real desire to retain the Premier League and defensively they are rock solid.

"They are going to be very difficult to overcome, but confidence is high from our point of view.

"You have to have confidence in your ability if you are going to cause United problems when you play them at Old Trafford, and we certainly believe we can do that."

[Freddy Adu]

Blackburn boss Hughes wants 20-year career

Blackburn Rovers boss Mark Hughes hopes he is still working in the Premiership in 20 years' time.

Hughes said: "You talk about the amount of time managers get these days and they don't get long. I'm grateful that I've had three years.

"I'm into my fourth season and I think you can see the benefits of that. If chairmen were a little more patient with the people they employ then maybe you can have the continuity we've enjoyed.

"I would love to think I'm still doing the job at the level that I am at the moment in 20-odd years, still trying to win Premier League games. It is a great place to work. It's intense and there is a big demand but it's the only place to work."

[Freddy Adu]

Blackburn's Emerton backs Hughes for Man Utd

Blackburn midfielder Brett Emerton reckons his boss Mark Hughes is Alex Ferguson's heir apparent at the Theatre of Dreams.

As Rovers head to Old Trafford on Sunday, Aussie Emerton said: "Going back and doing well means a lot to the boss. He tries to treat every game the same but deep down you can see it's special for him.

"He's doing a great job at this club - it's no wonder people mention him as the man who will one day succeed Alex Ferguson. The better we play, and the more they are going to talk.

"The last thing we want is to lose him but if he went there I have no doubt he would carry on the club's amazing success.

"I worked under Guus Hiddink with Australia and everybody knows how good he is. Well, I believe Mark Hughes is also right up there," he told the Mirror

[Freddy Adu]

Blackburn's Hughes wins Manager of Month

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes has been named Barclays Manager of the Month for October with Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney claiming the player award.

Hughes takes the honour for the first time after leading Rovers to three straight wins in the month - with Birmingham and Reading defeated at Ewood Park and Tottenham beaten at White Hart Lane.

The Welshman is the first Blackburn manager to win the award since Brian Kidd in 1998.

Rooney scored four goals in just three matches to be named Player of the Month - although he will not get the chance to reclaim his crown after suffering an ankle injury which will keep him out for the rest of November and beyond.

[Freddy Adu]

Blackburn boss Hughes: Man Utd bored me against Dynamo

Blackburn Rovers boss Mark Hughes admits last week's Champions League victory by Manchester United over Dynamo Kiev bored him to tears!

United won that match comfortably 4-0 and striker Wayne Rooney later claimed the game bored him.

Hughes said: "I went to the game and I was bored watching it, so I can see where Wayne was coming from.

"It wasn't the best of games. I went there to glean some information and didn't get anything from it.

"I think you have got to be positive. Kiev went there to frustrate United and possibly nick a goal but you could see from very early on that was not going to be the case.

"I think we are a better team than Kiev. Given the side that was picked against Kiev and the one that will probably be picked at the weekend, that will probably show which side Sir Alex thinks is the best.

"There is real respect from united about the way we go about our business.

"We have only won once in 40-odd years there so it's a big ask but we are in decent enough shape."

[Freddy Adu]

Old Trafford leaves Blackburn's Hughes disappointed

Blackburn's run of eight unbeaten away games in the Premier League came to an end with a 2-0 defeat at Manchester United. Ironically, it was at Old Trafford that Rovers last tasted defeat on their travels on March 31st.

To compound boss Mark Hughes's disappointment he saw David Dunn dismissed for a second bookable offence midway early in the second half � �we were harshly done by,� claimed the Rovers chief.

Blackburn failed to score for the first time in eleven games on the road but it could have been all so different had Christopher Samba not hit the woodwork in the first half.

Cristiano Ronaldo then scored twice in a minute just before the break and whilst Rovers still took the game to United the dismissal of Dunn effectively ended the game as a spectacle.

"We're disappointed obviously," Hughes told Sky Sports. "I thought we more than held our own in the first half, we created some decent passages of play and had opportunities.

"We were very much in the game in the first half, but we switched off at a set-piece, didn't mark at a corner and we were 1-0 down.

"We talked about not conceding quickly after a first goal, if it's going to happen and unfortunately that's exactly what happened. It also happened in Europe against Larissa and we need to learn from that.

"In the second half, in the first five or six minutes we lose David Dunn to a challenge which is mistimed, but it wasn't a poor challenge, it wasn't a violent challenge.

"He was unlucky to get booked in the first half in my view, and we were harshly done by. In the second half we weren't able to show what a good team we are.

"We showed glimpses of what we can do in the first half. Unfortunately, the game was taken away from us."

"We are having a decent season. Today was disappointing, but we go on again."

[Freddy Adu]

Hughes admits new Blackburn deal "very close"

Blackburn manager Mark Hughes has revealed he is 'very close' to signing a new contract to keep him at Ewood Park until 2010.

The former Wales coach has been in charge at Ewood Park since September 2004 and could extend his tenure through to 2010.

He has confirmed talks have taken place with the Blackburn board and an announcement could be made in the coming weeks.

"There have been discussions about an extension to my contract and we are very close," Hughes said.

[Freddy Adu]

Hughes to ink new Blackburn deal in days

Mark Hughes is expected to sign a new deal with Blackburn Rovers during international week.

The Times says there could also be new deals for Mark Bowen and Eddie Niedzwiecki, Hughes's trusted lieutenants.

Although the structure of the new deal will probably be similar to his existing one, the fixed term of which expires next summer before a rolling 12-month contract kicks in, Hughes's salary is expected to rise from just under £1 million to £1.5 million a year, making him one of the better paid managers outside the top four clubs.

[Freddy Adu]

Blackburn's Hughes happy Nelsen missing NZ trip

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes has backed Ryan Nelsen's decision to withdraw from the New Zealand squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Vanuatu.

The Rovers captain has opted to stay in England as his wife is due to give birth to their first child.

Hughes said: "That's his priority now. We expect Ryan to be a father very, very soon, so that's the reason why he'll not be linking up with New Zealand.

"In fairness, the travel arrangements he was facing would have involved 57 hours on a plane if you count up all the trips he was having to take.

"Given his recent hamstring problems, sitting on a place for 57 hours wouldn't have been conducive for putting in a good performance for New Zealand anyway, so the right decision has been made."

[Freddy Adu]

Blackburn boss Hughes eyeing new rolling deal

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes is expected to follow the lead of his mentor Sir Alex Ferguson and make his new deal at Rovers a rolling contract.

Hughes and Rovers are close to agreeing a new deal and he is expected to put pen to paper on the contract before Blackburn's next match against Fulham after the international break.

It is understood both Blackburn and Hughes are keen to make the contract a rolling one where the manager would always be on a 12-month notice period.

Ferguson has been on a similar contract with Manchester United since 2005. Blackburn chairman John Williams would not comment about the detail of the negotiations but confirmed talks with Hughes were ongoing.

He said: "We have had some discussions and will carry on with those to bring it to fruition."

[Freddy Adu]

Blackburn boss Hughes looking for Roberts impact

Blackburn Rovers boss Mark Hughes is confident Jason Roberts can shake-off his injury problems.

The striker has been limited to just 10 top-flight starts in 18 months due to groin, metatarsal and thigh injuries.

But Roberts, 29, is training again and could make a rare start when Blackburn travel to Fulham on November 25.

Rovers boss Hughes said: "He joined in training on Saturday.

"Hopefully by the end of the international break, he'll be an option again. He's got a chance for Fulham if everything goes OK."

[Freddy Adu]

Blackburn's Hughes favourite for Man Utd post

Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan has let slip that Blackburn Rovers boss Mark Hughes has a big chance of succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

Whelan, who is set to name Birmingham City boss Steve Bruce as his new manager, revealed: "Whenever I speak with Sir Alex Ferguson - who I regard as 'The Master' - he always says two of the best young bosses around are Steve Bruce and Mark Hughes.

"They played under Fergie at Old Trafford, they always give 100 per cent and, if your head is screwed on like theirs is, you can't help but learn from the great man."

[Freddy Adu]

Hughes signs new Blackburn contract

Blackburn Rovers have announced manager Mark Hughes has signed a new contract through to 2010.

The former Wales boss has impressed since taking over at Rovers in September 2004 and has been rewarded with an extended deal which will be followed by a 12-month rolling agreement.

Blackburn chairman John Williams said: "The club has made significant progress during Mark's tenure and we are delighted that he has signed this new contract."

[Freddy Adu]

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes:

"Obviously, when I took over confidence was low because we were nearer the bottom of the table than the top.

"That needed changing and we've been able to do that.

"I'm very excited about the squad we've got this year. We've made a fantastic start to the season and we want to see how far we can go."

[Freddy Adu]

Blackburn boss Mark Hughes:
"I didn't anticipate I'd lose Benni within minutes of the kick-off and it was difficult from that point on.

"But Jason Roberts came on and was a handful so for him to put in a performance like that was exceptional.

We dominated the game and should have won it comfortably but came away with the point. Overall, we're not too disappointed."