City looked at managers last summer, says Cook

Manchester City chief executive Garry Cook continues to astound. Now he has revealed that the club began drawing up plans to replace Mark Hughes in the summer, while the manager was busy recruiting players.

Among the potential replacements that City were interested in were Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho and Guus Hiddink, along with Roberto Mancini.

But after all the furore over the sacking of Mark Hughes, Cook was unapologetic. He said: "Before the season started, we went about our business plan for the year meticulously. We did our scenario planning, mapping out the season, the results we were seeking and, in those plans, we looked at the options open to us if we were in a position when we needed to look for a new manager before Christmas.

"Even at that point, we looked at the managers who could be available in a World Cup year and those who might definitely be available. We had no intention of replacing Mark Hughes, but surely, as a business, we are entitled to examine all the options?"

Cook said that the sacking of Hughes was no different to the dismissal of any other manager. Warming to his theme he continued: "The key message is that we do not have to apologise for our actions. We have nothing to apologise for."

Of reports that Mancini had undermined the company line on the situation, Cook claimed: "Roberto has been caught up in a language issue. In truth, he has been shafted."

Other managers have had their say on the issue as well. Martin O'Neill of Aston Villa said the episode was symptomatic of life in the Premier League. "As a manager, it doesn't inspire you with great confidence. Unfortunately, it happens in the game and that's the nature of it. It's a sad indictment. It's crazy."

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce expressed concern about the appointment of Mancini. "If we are not careful all the jobs seem to be going to foreign coaches," he said. ·