Sparky Turned Down United Post

Sparky
By Chris O'Brien
September 18 2004

Mark Hughes has revealed that he turned down the assistant manager post at Old Trafford 18 months ago. Sparky has just signed a managerial contract with Lancastrian rivals Blackburn Rovers, and is tipped to take the hot seat at United when Sir Alex hangs up his hairdryer.

Mark Hughes has revealed that he turned down the number two job at Old Trafford to stay in the managerial role at Wales. The former Manchester United star was offered the post with the Red Devils over a year ago but declined the job which could have seen him in line to predecessor Sir Alex Ferguson in the hot-seat.

"I had an opportunity to go back to United about 18 months ago, but it was in a different role and not in the number two job. I didn't think it was right for me." said Sparky.

Hughes has recently signed a contract with Blackburn Rovers as the ex-forward tries his hand at management at club level. He will remain in charge of his country for their next two upcoming World Cup qualifiers before the Principality need to find a new manager. John Toshack, Ian Rush and Sir Bobby Robson are all in the frame to take the top job at the Millennium Stadium.

The 40-year-old has introduced forward thinking to the Welsh camp which saw the nation come close to qualifying for Euro 2004 in Portugal. However, an indifferent start to the World Cup preliminary matches means Hughes has now not won a competitive game in eight and he sees now as the right time to move into the Premier League.

Hughes is still tipped by many to be the next new Manchester United manager when Ferguson finally hangs up his hairdryer. Although with Carlos Queiroz as assistant, the Portuguese coach is probably the United boards most likely option. It will certainly be interesting to see how the new boss in Lancashire adapts to life at Ewood Park.