“Extremely disappointed” former boss insists he was unaware of his fate.

Mark Hughes has today issued a statement following his sacking as Manchester City boss.

Some media coverage had suggested that the Welshman knew about his fate before the game after he appeared to clap and wave farewell to the supporters at Eastlands after the final whistle of the victory over Sunderland yesterday.

However, it appears that he only discovered the City hierarchy’s decision to sack him after the game.

“I was informed after yesterday’s match against Sunderland that my
contract with Manchester City was being terminated with immediate
effect,” he told the official website of the League Managers Association.

“Notwithstanding media coverage to the contrary, I was given no
forewarning as to the club’s decision.

“Given the speed with which my
successor’s appointment was announced, it would appear that the club
had made its decision some considerable time ago.”

Hughes also appears bitterly frustrated that he was not given more time to see his plans for City come to fruition and maintains that talk of his failing to hit the owners’ targets for the club are a little wide of the mark.

“I am extremely
disappointed not to have been given the opportunity to see through my
plans at the club,” he added.

“At the beginning of the season I sat down with the
owners and it was agreed that a realistic target for the season would
be 6th place in the Premier League, or in the region of 70
points.

“All of this was communicated to the players and we all knew
where we stood. Whilst everyone at the club would obviously have wanted
to see more wins, we were absolutely on target at the time of my
dismissal. Only recently we had terrific victories against both Arsenal
and Chelsea.

“I am very proud of the fact that I steered the club through the most significant period of change in its history.

“I
have always been aware of the responsibility that comes with being
afforded the luxury of a significant transfer budget, and I was
grateful that the club supported me with significant investment in
players.

“I very much regret, however, that I will not now be able to
enjoy the success that would undoubtedly have followed in the light of
that investment.

“I believe that I have handled with dignity the recent pressure placed upon me by press speculation.”

Hughes also expressed his gratitude to the Eastlands support, who he feels always backed him throughout his eventful spell at the club.

“I
would like to thank the fans for their support throughout my time at
the club and particularly at this difficult time,” he stated.

“And I wish the club
every success in the future, particularly in relation to the
forthcoming League Cup semi-final, the club’s first semi-final for 28
years.”