Hughes accepts Blackburn role

Thursday, 16 September 2004

Mark Hughes will stand down as Wales coach following next month's FIFA World Cup qualifiers after accepting an offer to become Blackburn Rovers FC manager with immediate effect.

England next

The 40-year-old Hughes will be in charge of Blackburn for the Premiership visit of Portsmouth FC on Saturday, but has been given permission to coach Wales against England at Old Trafford and Poland in Cardiff in early October before giving up his role with the national team. Wales drew their opening Group 6 qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Northern Ireland

Leading clubs

Blackburn, whose previous manager Graeme Souness left for Newcastle United FC last week, issued a statement last night which read: "Blackburn announce that Mark Hughes has been appointed manager with immediate effect." A playing career which took in some of Europe's leading clubs ended at Blackburn in 2002 when Hughes retired to concentrate on leading Wales.

from UEFA

Can't blame him for taking it really. Good club Blackburn and some decent players there.

As for the Wales job, Bobby Robson been mentioned a lot which is a surprise. Chris Coleman, Ian Rush also. The legend that is Tony Pulis has already ruled himself out....top man.