The winds of change for Hughes

IN the last few weeks I've noticed the winds of change stirring around City and I must say I like it. I had the privilege of being over from Ireland for the second leg of our match against Hamburg and although we went out of the UEFA Cup on the night our performance was one of the best I've seen for a long, long time. Elano seemed back to his mercurial best, Robinho actually made a tackle or two and Ireland ran his heart out. Since then we've had victories over WBA and Everton, two admirable results for differing reasons.

In the WBA game we surrendered a 2-0 lead, a few short weeks ago we could easily have lost a game like that and in the Everton game we played like a team that could and should qualify for Europe this year. Two great results, two stirring perforances.

Now I'm in a quandary; Is this run of form due to Hughes' diligence and tactics, has he instilled a sense of success into his team and got them believing in themselves to an extent that an undefeated finish to the season is possible? Or is it sheer luck? Maybe the ever growing injury list has forced his hand, and finally playing Elano and Robinho together has been the catalyst for City's push to the brink of qualification for the new Europa competition.

Whatever the answer I'm beginning to waver, I've been a firm supporter of the "Hughes out" campaign till now but if my inflatable cushion arrives on Saturday with another three points against Blackburn I'll find out what the view's like from up on the fence.

Any more fans climbing on the fence? Any other "Hughes out"s willing to give him a chance now and see what happens?

We'd be interested to know at mancityblues.com, come and join us and let us know which camp you fall into.

PILGRIM

This entry was posted on April 30th, 2009 at 09:00:01 pm and is filed under News.

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8 comments

Comment from: Taylor [Visitor]

I have always been unsure of Mark Hughes since his appointment at city,at first i thought he could bring a sense of consistency which has been sadly missed at man city for some time,but was sadly dissapointed to see a team carry on in the same way that we have over previous seasons,but it does look like MH is starting to bring things together,in my opinion,MH should have a full transfer window to do what he wants,and judge him at christmas.

30/04/09 @ 21:38

Comment from: markyboyblue [Visitor]

I think there are lots of us who would LUV Hughesy to suceed and there have been some positives but it just may be too late!

30/04/09 @ 21:42

Comment from: Trev [Visitor]

I agree you played well at Goodison but remember this Everton had played 3 hard games in 6 days to your 1 in seven, you played Everton at the right time when they were knackered, Dont count your chickens to soon, you have been very poor most of the season..

30/04/09 @ 21:44

Comment from: Matt [Visitor]

Excuses excuses from a Scouser, what a suprise. I think you will find that City have played about 1/2 a dozen extra competitive games for the season to Everton, so this imo sort of rules your tiredness argument to a point invalid.

To say we have been very poor for most of the season is absolute rubbish. We have been very poor on the road for most of the season, but for the most part we have been excellent at home to go with it. There is a decent chance that we may end up with 14 victories for the season at home.

No matter how you look at it, if you win 14 at home then you can't have been very poor for most of the season. Our away form has left a lot to be desired, but we still have a chance for more European football next season and the summer will only bring hopefully more quality players to the club. Whether Hughes is the man for the job I'm not sure, but I think he needs to be give at least until Christmas to show he is.

30/04/09 @ 22:00

Comment from: Booky [Visitor]

Trev

The game at Everton was City's fifth in sixteen days.
I don't think your excuse stands up buddy.

30/04/09 @ 22:02

Comment from: Wigan Blue [Visitor]

"Is this run of form due to Hughes' diligence and tactics?" Diligence? I suppose he turns up. Tactics - I haven't seen any that have worked yet.

The only positive change that's happened since the first month of the season has been our return to the attacking formation that we started the season with, and that he immediately screwed up by dropping Elano (the week after he'd scored two goals). And even that about-turn was brought about by injuries.

He is making us play with two defensive midfielders. And a flat four across the back. Home and away. Even Stuart Pearce never resorted to that. And yet SP's defensive performance was better than ours has been this season.

We've had three decent performances since injuries forced him to revert to the original succesful game plan. And all of a sudden the whole 'Mark Hughes is our Saviour' brigade are screaming that all his predictions about coming stronger in the second half of the season have been vindicated, and that all the man needs is time.

How long have you got? How many of us will have died by the time we actually win something?

30/04/09 @ 22:40

Comment from: paul flynn [Visitor]

I too am an irish Man city fan and have been for years. I am a supporter of hughes i tink given a full transfer window along with his signing so far (kompany best signing) he will turn city round and get the consistancy out of the team that we have all longed for!!

30/04/09 @ 23:21

Comment from: mikecfc [Visitor]

He needs more time. There does seem to be a change in the squad at the moment. I like what I see and hope Elano stays next season.

01/05/09 @ 01:07

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