Mark Hughes quit as our manager 5 years ago today after only one year in charge. At the time it was widely reported that went because we weren't "ambitious enough". To which MAF responded that Hughes was "a strange man". Only the day before this news broke Aston Villa announced that Gerard Houllier would not remain in his role after experiencing health concerns towards the end of the season. So all the real speculation was that Hughes in fact would replace him. And the Welsman didn't exactly deny this saying, "I hope the Fulham supporters and all those connected with the club will understand I wish to move on to further my experiences," he said. "I would also like to take this opportunity to clarify that neither myself nor my representative have approached or have been approached by another club. This decision to leave Fulham has not been influenced by any outside party." Well that 'ambition' of going to Villa didn't come off for Sparky. And guess we'll never know what happened there. Hindsight however, has caused many a Fulhamite to pause and reflect on whether his original statements were maybe closer to the truth.
On reflection, Sparky going was, indeed, a key point in our downfall. Like many other supporters, I was frustrated how he went, but things may not have been as things seemed.
And ... 5 years ago the Club appointed his successor. please log in to view this image Sarah Brookes' video interviews would never be the same again.
I disagree for me MAF was not a fool he was not going to give Hughes & his 'advisor' Kia Joorabchian (Tevez & Mascherano owner!!) a gravy train to spend his cash. Remember some of the Disasters Hughes bought at QPR, and he hadn't done that well at Man City, a lot of the Players Joorabchian was the agent!!!. I think MAF feel out of love with football as no one at the FA seemed to back him up about agent fees and his big mistake was letting Dembele & Dempsey because he wanted to start cashing in.
