Hughes relishing City challenge

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.

Even though City have finished below Rovers in the last two Premier League campaigns, Hughes had no hesitation in accepting the job at Eastlands once Blues owner Thaksin Shinawatra made his approach and felt the time was right to move on.

"I am very proud of what I achieved at Blackburn but I have no regrets at leaving," he said. "I knew there was a limit to how far I could take them. Now I am at a club that can match my ambitions."

He added: "When I arrived there four years ago, they were second bottom of the Premier League and in great danger of being relegated.

"It took a huge effort by everyone to turn the club around and enable it to be successful. We reached three semi-finals got into Europe and achieved a top-six finish.

"But the amount of work we had to put in to achieve those goals was immense."

With former world footballer of the year Ronaldinho among the stated transfer targets, £20million-rated Brazilian forward Jo about to join and stars Hughes has left behind at Blackburn like David Bentley and Roque Santa Cruz being considered, there is clearly no limit to City's ambitions.

So, despite obvious links to United and Chelsea, Hughes insists he does not view City merely as a platform to better things.

"If I am successful here I don't need any stepping stones," he said. "It is all set up here. If we can get this place going and moving in the right direction we will be at the top end of the Premier League and competing for places in Europe.

"As a player I was involved in winning trophies and I know this club wants to be at the top table, not only in this country but in Europe as well."