The Mark Hughes Diaries

Mark Hughes is an admired ex-pro, whose playing career spanned over 20 years with over 600 league appearances and 163 league goals to his name, turning out for some of Europe`s greatest teams including Manchester United, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Chelsea. The former Welsh international moved into management following his retirement and having managed Blackburn, Manchester City and Fulham, the 48-year-old now sits at the helm of Queens Park Rangers. Vital QPR proudly has exclusive access to his weekly diary and will give you an interesting and reflective insight into the goings on at QPR.

24th September 2012

‘THIS week`s column unfortunately comes to you from a physio bed at the training ground, as I somehow managed to pull my hamstring whilst getting off the coach after the Spurs game yesterday; I haven`t seen this many injuries at a club since Fergie threw more than a few tea cups after a 3-0 loss to Everton in `92. The medical team are thankfully on overdrive, yet weren`t expecting such a heavy timetable since they waved goodbye to Fitz Hall over the summer.

Everyone was expectedly despondent after the game yesterday. We largely outplayed a meagre Spurs side for 88 minutes and 25 seconds, yet left White Hart Lane with nothing more than a few plaudits from various pundits and a Kieron Dyer performance that lasted for 89 minutes. I don`t think the word undeserved does the game justice.

I managed to speak to Michael Dawson after the game and he assured me he would be willing to sign for us in January. He cited Villas-Boas`s tedious four hour PowerPoint presentations and 123-page dossiers on each opposition player as the main reason for his desire to leave. The press decided to link us with Manchester City youngster John Guidetti earlier in the week week, however I would like to deny any interest in the Swede – my Football Manager scout report informing me he would only be a ‘fairly good signing`.

Danny Gabbidon has signed for Crystal Palace and decided to lambast the club for a ‘crazy year at Loftus Road`. I`d almost forgotten who he was when I read the article, but remembered he was the proud owner of the goal that ended our 11 year hoodoo in the FA Cup last season. Diakite played 45 minutes for the U21`s in a 3-1 victory over Watford midweek and we hope to have the beast back sooner rather than later. Two games this week so extra preparation must be finished – rest assured I will be making 11 changes for the game against Reading to avoid anymore hamstring related incidents.

Vital QPR would like to notify all readers at this point, that in no way is Mark Hughes actually associated with this website. The opinions stated above are merely for the purposes of entertainment and have absolutely no connection to the beliefs or views of the QPR manager. We hope.