mancityblues.com

I have been in debate recently with certain fans who are still calling for the head of our manager Mark Hughes despite our great start to the season which sees us currently sitting in a Champions League slot.

As I've said a million times on our forum, (but people just don't listen,) I'm no particular fan of Mark Hughes. He hasn't done anything yet at City to make me feel any affection for him whatsoever.

However, what i just constantly find myself doing is defending Hughes (and certain players like Lescott and RSC,) against criticism that is not only unjust and petty, but often levels on pure spite. It has become a total obsession with some people. I find it irrational in the extreme, but there you go, that's people for you.

Of course people have every right to do it. But equally people like me have every right to challenge it too. If you stick your neck out you have to be prepared to be shot at.

Personally, I don't feel I'm really defending Mark Hughes, I'm defending the cause of Manchester City, because I've seen the damage that a lack of foresight and patience can do to a football club.
Lashing out at individuals can only create turmoil in the long run for our club. It used to start on the terraces, but now it starts right here on forums like this one.
Never underestimate the power of the fans.

I just want to see this guy and the fine bunch of players he has assembled, given a fair chance to do a decent job.

I'm just like anyone, I want to see City great again before I die.

We were certainly below par on Sunday and have been, to be honest, for a few games and I fully acknowledge we should be better than that.

However, I remain confident things will improve, because, as I say, I think Hughes has assembled an excellent squad of players and quality always outs in the end.
I think it is nigh on impossible to have such a big turnover of players and get them playing to a title challenging standard in such a short time. (No matter how much they cost.)
I actually think it will take at least a year to get these players performing consistently well enough to mount a title challenge.
In fact I truly hope we don't sign anybody or let anybody go in that time.
Now is the time to consolidate and work with these fine players and find ways to get the best out of them.

Sadly though I don't think many people will have the patience for that.

I certainly don't feel the need for all this hysterical lashing out and looking for scapegoats stuff that certain individuals indulge in. (Not that it isn't their right of course.)

Knee jerk unrest just damages the cause. We've seen it all before and more than most.

Personally, I'm just enjoying the ride and when the team frustrate me I just compare it to the state the club were in and the calibre of players we hung our hats on three or four years ago.

It's a great leveller.

Spike