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Blackburn Rovers Manager
(2004-2008)-
Profile of Mark Hughes

Mark Hughes was signed by Graeme Souness on a free transfer from Everton. Hughes helped Blackburn Rovers to clinch promotion back to the Premiership, and also added a 2002 Worthington Cup winners medal to his extensive collection. Mark Hughes played 50 games, and scored 6 goals for Blackburn Rovers before hanging his boots in July 2002 at the age of 38.

Mark Hughes landed his first managerial post as Wales national coach in November 1999. Wales were then ranked 94th in the world and considered as one of the weaker national sides. As prolific as his playing career, he guided Wales onto an unbeaten nine-match run in 2002, to set a new national record.

In April 2003, Wales broke into the top 50 of FIFA's rankings after an eight-year absence. Mark Hughes was named the BBC Wales Sports Personality of 2002, and also awarded with an OBE by the Queen.

Mark Hughes has written a book titled "Sparky" about his earlier playing days for Manchester United, as well as his stays in both Barcelona and Munich.

When Graeme Souness left Blackburn in September 2004 for Newcastle United, Mark Hughes was top in the shortlist to take over. He was appointed as manager of Blackburn Rovers in September 2004.

In his 1st season 2004/05, Blackburn was ranked 15th and acheived the main aim of avoiding relegation, whilst also leading them to a first FA Cup semi-final in 40 years.
In his 2nd season 2005/06, Blackburn was ranked a surprise 6th and qualified for the UEFA Cup.
In his 3rd season 2006/07, Blackburn was ranked 10th. And in his last season 2007/08, Blackburn was ranked 7th. He won the October 2007 Award for the English Premier league manager of the month.

	With limited transfer budget at Ewood Park, Mark Hughes has made some remarkable signings - Benni McCarthy (£2 million), David Bentley (£500,000, later sold to Tottenham Hotspur for more than £15 million), Ryan Nelsen (free, £5 million bid from Portsmouth was rejected), Stephen Warnock (£1.5 million, later sold to Aston Villa for £8 million), Roque Santa Cruz (£3.5 million, later sold to Manchester City for club-record £18 million), and Christopher Samba (£400,000).
	Mark Hughes with new £3.5 million signing Roque Santa Cruz from Bayern Munich On 4 June 2008, Manchester City appointed Mark Hughes as manager on a three-year contract. The clubs agreed on a compensation package believed to be in the region of £5m. Blackburn Rovers Chairman John Williams said: "We have enjoyed a first class, mutually beneficial relationship with Mark. He leaves the club in a strong position with three consecutive top ten finishes and an excellent squad of players. In turn, we have helped Mark to establish himself as one of the most sought after young British managers in the business, having previously had no club management experience. We wish him well. We would have liked him to stay on, but he made it clear he wanted a fresh challenge."