Article: "Hughes 'close' to Rovers' deal"

[Jilleen]

A bit of good news...

Hughes 'close' to Rovers deal: Blackburn boss set to sign extension

Mark Hughes says he is 'very close' to signing a new contract as Blackburn Rovers manager.

The former Wales coach has been in charge at Ewood Park since September 2004 and could extend his tenure through to 2010.

He has confirmed talks have taken place with the Blackburn board and an announcement could be made in the coming weeks.

"There have been discussions about an extension to my contract and we are very close," Hughes told reporters.

Meanwhile, ahead of a trip to Old Trafford, Hughes is flattered to be mentioned as a contender to eventually replace Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager.

He added: "It is good to think that because of the job I'm doing, people think I have the capability to take a top job and be successful in it.

"There was speculation in recent weeks about a couple of other possibilities and maybe people view me as someone who could handle a top job. But until you actually do it you never know, do you?

"I'm enjoying what I'm doing at Blackburn. We are still growing, still progressing. There are still things to be done here, but you never say never.

"As a player I always wanted to be the best I could be and as a manager I'll try to do the same. How far that ambition will take me we'll have to wait and see.

"I'm the same as Sir Alex in that it's a non-stop job. If you put the hard work in you'll get the rewards out of it."

[Revelian]

On the radio today, and on TV, the media keep talking about Mark Hughes being a possible successor to Fergie, when he finally leaves football. I kept thinking, "no you fools - Mark Hughes will be the first Rovers manager to win the European Cup, so there!"

It seems even Hughes is in the shop window at Blackburn. If he signs for another three years, it will be a major coup for Rovers.

Revelian

[Parrothead FC]

fingers crossed, but if he leaves I'm not going to hold it against him. he's been right gentlemanly the whole time he's been here. :)

[Revelian]

Better than Souness ever was, anyway.

Revelian

[BlackburnRover]

Hughes has signed a new fixed term contract until 2010. With a 12 month rolling contract thereafter.

Hughes says .... hang on, next txt ... "I'm delighted because I feel that there is more work to do here, I'm excited with the squad that I've got so I want to see that through to its conclusion."

So that's nice.

[seahawkdad]

From Rover's News (http://www.rovers.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10303%7E1174298,00.html):

I've got a great relationship with John Williams, my Chairman, and the Board has supported me in everything I've wanted to do. I've made changes on and off the field and they've backed me and backed my judgement which is important to me as well. You've got to have the tools to be able to do your job and that is what I have here.

I've fantastic support from my staff as well, and they are a big part of what we are doing here. So all-in-all it is a very good team, both in the Boardroom and on the training field. Because of that I think that's why we are successful and if we can keep the team together that will help Blackburn Rovers.

[Jilleen]

Why don't we just lock Sparky in until the year 2999? Good grief, he's by far the best thing that came to us in a *long* time....

[Revelian]

Hughes will stay until Fergie goes - that's what I reckon, anyway.

But making your decisions based on the actions of the Black Eyed Peas is something that I'll never understand.

Revelian

[dring1]

Hughes will stay until Fergie goes - that's what I reckon, anyway.

But making your decisions based on the actions of the Black Eyed Peas is something that I'll never understand.

Revelian


that may or maynot be the case as hughes as said he would like another crack at international football.

[Revelian]

Well, he can't do worse at managing England than Tw@ Head (previously known as Steve McClaren).

Revelian