New City boss Hughes signals his intent by scrapping Swiss stroll

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City were contracted to play games against Lucerne, and Basel in the Uhren Cup in early July after agreeing to appear in the competition before Hughes' appointment as boss three weeks ago.

No-nonsense approach: Mark Hughes

But Hughes has told City owner Thaksin Shinawatra that he will be taking his team to a training base he favours in South Germany instead.

It is understood that City officials gave way immediately to the former Blackburn manager's demands, even though the club will have to pay in the region of £30,000 in compensation and will also cover the costs of supporters who have bought tickets and made travel arrangements for the two games.

The move is indicative of the no-nonsense style of management that Hughes will bring to City.

Hughes and his assistant Mark Bowen are already back from holiday and working in anticipation of the first team squad's return to training early next month.

Hughes has been given a run-down of the character traits of his players and is understood to be preparing a programme with an emphasis on fitness and discipline ahead of the new Barclays Premier League season.

City hope that captain Richard Dunne will finally put his name to a new contract later this week.