London, Dec 20 (DPA) League Managers Association chief executive Richard Bevan criticised Manchester City on Sunday over the sacking of manager Mark Hughes.
Hughes was dismissed on Saturday after a 4-3 victory over Sunderland, just their second win in 11 games, left his side sixth in the table.

Roberto Mancini was appointed to replace him on a three-and-a-half year contract.

“I spoke to Mark last night and he found out immediately after the game when he was called into a meeting and informed that his contract was being terminated, but I think the decision had probably been taken some time ago,” Bevan told the BBC.

“I think Mark and everybody else in this country realises that you can’t buy trophies in one season.

“If they (overseas owners) feel that, then we’ll continue with the sackings and we’ll continue with affinity lost to our clubs in England, because I’m pretty sure the Manchester City fans will be sorry to see Mark go.

“If you come in as an overseas owner, you need to embrace the city, the supporters, not just the trophy cabinet.”

More immediately worrying for City chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak were newspaper reports on Sunday suggesting a delegation of six players - believed to include forward Craig Bellamy and goalkeeper Shay Given - confronted chief executive Gary Cook over Hughes’s dismissal.

A dressing-room source quoted in the News of the World said the players were furious by the lack of “class” show by the club in their handling of the issue.