Chairman: Hughes job safe

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Hughes' position has been the subject of intense speculation since the Abu Dhabi United Group, headed by Sheikh Mansour, became owners.

He told the Manchester Evening News: "I have been surprised at all the speculation because I have always been consistent with everyone on the subject of the manager."

Al Mubarak added: "Every time I have spoken I have said we have the highest confidence in Mark and I would like to re-iterate that now. Mark will be our manager next season; nothing has changed."

City's hopes of a Europa League place ended at the weekend with defeat at Tottenham.

But Al Mubarak believes the club have made progress, and said: "It has been a difficult season with all the rumours about Mark's future and the number of players we have been linked with.

"There has been incredible and unnecessary pressure put on Mark from outside the club. From my perspective, I think we have come a long way and I am looking for a big finish to the season.

"We have accomplished things since January and now we can start focusing on next season."

Al Mubarak is convinced City will improve next season.

He said: "This is a club that has had 10 managers in 15 years and changes of ownership. It is hard to believe we have ever had a real pre-season. This time we will have that and will do so with a year's experiences behind us and that will make us stronger. Next year is going to be better than this one."