Sport | Football
Al Mubarak outlines team's 10-year strategy
Manchester City's chairman-designate Khaldoon Al Mubarak said on Tuesday the club's new owners plan to build a dynasty over the next 10 years, with manager Mark Hughes the key to sustained success.
- Staff Report
- Published: 00:07 September 24, 2008
London: Manchester City's chairman-designate Khaldoon Al Mubarak said on Tuesday the club's new owners plan to build a dynasty over the next 10 years, with manager Mark Hughes the key to sustained success.
In a statement on the Premier League club's website (www.mcfc.co.uk), Al Mubarak promised City's long-suffering fans: "Nothing rash is going to happen, we are not going to do crazy stuff. We will work with (executive chairman) Garry Cook and Mark. They call the shots and we are here to support to help build a sustainable club.
"Mark is as good as they get and we are backing him all the way. He makes the football decisions and we are here to learn.
"One thing I have made very clear to Mark is that any player he wants comes from him. It comes from his requirements, his plan for the club. I'm a fan, but I am not an expert.
"It is Mark who runs the club and Mark who makes the football decisions. We are here as long-term investors, and it makes sense for us to build a dynasty. Between Mark and Garry, I think we have a dynasty in the making.
"With our backing, with the commitment we are going to make to the academy in the next 10 years, there is going to be a tremendous period for Manchester City and for us. And I think we are going to have a blast doing it!"
City have started the new season well and are fifth in the standings after thrashing Portsmouth 6-0 on Sunday. Al Mubarak wants the domination enjoyed by Manchester United - the European and Premier League champions - to end and said City can be successful by developing their own young players.
"My mandate from Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, was to spend as much time as I could with the academy.
"I have promised him that I'll do what I can to ensure that this academy is the best - not just in England, but in Europe."
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