Ferguson wants Sparky as Assistant
Sparky at United
By Chris O'Brien
June 29 2003
Sir Alex is believed to want Wales boss Mark Hughes as his new assistant manager. Sparky, who has got Wales in a great postition to qualify for Euro 2004, is considered a legend amongst the United faithful and would be a very popular choice. He still has three years to run on his Welsh contract.
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Ferguson wants Hughes as Assistant |
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Wales manager and Manchester United legend Mark Hughes has emerged as a prime candidate to become Sir Alex Ferguson's new right hand man. Following the departure of Carlos Quieroz to Real Madrid last week, a number of names have been mentioned to take over as assistant manager. Ferguson has said that he would be in no rush to appoint a replacement, and he would be most likely to look inside the club for a new number two, with names such as Mike Phelan, Jimmy Ryan and even team skipper Roy Keane all rumoured to be inline for the job. The Wales boss though is now believed to be number one on Fergie's wanted list. Hughes has done a fantastic job with the Welsh national side, and they currently sit top of their European Championship qualification group with a 100% win record after four matches. Despite a recent 2-0 friendly defeat to USA, Wales are looking on course to qualify for their first major tournament since World Cup 1958. Ferguson failed in an attempt to bring Hughes to the Old Trafford coaching staff last season, but the Welsh FA have confirmed that they would not stand in the way of Hughes if he wanted to give up his post and join United. "Manchester United are the biggest club in the world and we would never stand in Mark's way if he wanted to leave," announced Welsh FA president Des Shanklin. "We have to recognise going into management with United would be Mark's ultimate dream. "I'm 100 percent confident that he will see out his contract with us." said a confident Shanklin. Hughes spent two long spells with United as a player, and remains a legend with the United faithful. He would undoubtedly prove to be a popular choice with the fans at Old Trafford should he return to Manchester. Sparky still has three years left on his contract as Welsh boss, but there is still a possibility that the 39-year-old could combine both jobs. If Hughes did come to United, it would open the door for him to be United boss when Ferguson retires in future years, something that has always been an ambition of his. |
