I´m in charge, insists ManCity´s Hughes

Mark Hughes insists he is still calling the shots at Manchester City after clear-the-air talks with Thaksin Shinawatra’s board.

City manager Hughes was reported to be unhappy that the club were ready to sell Vedran Corluka to Tottenham and Stephen Ireland to Sunderland without his consent.

But he spoke to City’s executive chairman Garry Cook, who was appointed by Thai owner Thaksin earlier this year, to stress that he has to have the final say on transfers and the deals have since been cancelled.

“Maybe there have been misunderstandings and mistakes made but that happens in any big organisation when you make changes. It is not an issue,” Hughes said.

“I am clear we are going in the right direction. It’s a great club and a big club. I want to move it forward.

“My part of the club has not changed to any great extent. We are interested in good players at the right price.

“People might have been concerned that maybe funds won’t be available for me to bring players to the club. I have been reassured that is not the case. We are actively pursuing players.”

Hughes has found himself enveloped in the storm of controversy that followed Thaksin’s decision this week to fly to England rather than face corruption charges in Thailand.

Thaksin has had the majority of his one billion pounds fortune frozen as a result of the corruption scandal and the former Thai prime minister has downsized his plans for City as a result.

That sparked the reports that players were being sold behind Hughes’s back but he is convinced he will have total control over the club’s transfer policy.

“I had a meeting with all the players the other day and the contents will remain private,” he said.

“But basically we needed to make the group aware that I am in charge and will make decisions that will affect players.

“If players leave, then that decision will be mine and mine solely. That’s where we are and I think everyone understands the situation.

“Vedran’s agent has a vested interest in his client but the matter has been resolved.

“I have discussed the situation at length with Vedran and he won’t be leaving the club. He is very much a Manchester City player.”