Cook reveals Thaksin pledge

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Thaksin's decision to seek refuge in England after refusing to return to Thailand where he faces corruption charges has led to speculation about the extent of his financial muscle.

However Cook claims the former Thailand prime minister is not looking for a buyer for City and told BBC Radio Manchester: "When these things get thrown at you, you actually try that much harder. He (Thaksin) is even more adamant now, because this is his love, and he wants to show people he is really committed."

He added: "I asked the question as well as everyone else - 'is the club for sale?' and he is quite adamant this club is not for sale and he is here for the long haul.

"I asked 'why did you buy it?'. He said he bought it because there is a 10-year plan."

With Thaksin and members of his family looking on, City claimed a 3-0 victory against West Ham thanks to a brace from Elano after Daniel Sturridge had made the breakthrough.

Manager Mark Hughes said: "This was a big win for us. Irrespective of the fact West Ham went down to 10 men (Mark Noble was sent off) so early I felt we were in control.

"There was a real determination in our play and a willingness to ask questions of the opposition.

"It was a good all-round performance and once we got our noses in front there was only going to be one winner."