“Yes, I did [speak to Cook]. But Guus is happy with Russia. Definitely,” Van Nieuwenhuizen said. “I had a call because I have been working with Garry for 12 years since we worked together at Nike. But I have received calls from all over the world about Guus. There has also been an approach from Juventus.
“He (Cook) asked me if it would be worthwhile having a meeting to discuss the future and what might happen next summer. But I told him that Guus was contracted to Russia."
Interesting stuff. It's come out today that Hiddink is likely to stay with the Russian national side but that isn't really the point here. The simple fact that Garry Cook - and this is presuming that van Nieuwenhuizen is telling the truth - is sounding out potential managers for 2010/11 is fascinating. But then if we are to sack Hughes this May then Hiddink will naturally be near the top of any wishlist, and it only makes sense to lay the preparation now.
This is being reported as a 'pressure mounts on Hughes' story and while it is clearly embarrassing for the club (again, presuming that this Cook/van Nieuwenhuizen conversation took place) I don't think that it has any material difference on Hughes' position. We have heard many times before that Hughes is under pressure and that the board were thinking of sacking him - in September 2008 after the takeover itself, in December 2008 when we were in the relegation zone, and in May 2009 when we only finished tenth. At every instance the board have been more patient than people have expected, and more willing to give Hughes time. He doesn't have carte blanche, and may well not be the manager in 2010/11 but I would be shocked and stunned if the board broke their promise to give Hughes the entirety of this season to prove himself. It's not like we need European qualification to stay afloat.
2 comments:
rather reckless comment at the end.
Cook has spoken about the need for the club to be profitable. The club needs to present itself as a viable business to the owners as it a massive commercial point for them, a brand for abu dhabi. The owners like to hire the best they can get their hands on in each respective business they own, if the opportunity comes up for a suitbale target to replace hughes, he would be gone in an instant!
What was really interesting today was the club statement: they said City hadn't and would not be making an approach for Hiddink, but interestingly did not say that Hughes' position is safe. I was at Spurs on Wednesday. Another inept, tactical performance like that and he has to go straight away, hopefully taking his lazy mercenary mavericks with him.
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