City owners make long-term plans

Last Modified: 23 Sep 2008
Source: ITN

Manchester City chairman Khaldoon al Mubarak has promised to build the club rather than aim for instant success.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nahyan and his Abu Dhabi United Group have taken control of the club and al Mubarak was in the directors box to watch the 6-0 win over Portsmouth on Saturday.

The new owners have already funded the surprise signing of Robinho from Real Madrid but they are not planning to flood the team with international superstars.

Al Mubarak said: "We are genuine people and we want to develop this club in a sustainable manner. Nothing rash is going to happen, we are not going to do crazy stuff.

"We will work with the executive chairman Garry Cook and the manager Mark Hughes. They call the shots and we are here to support to help build a sustainable club. Mark is as good as they get and we are backing him all the way. He makes the football decisions and we are here to learn.

"We want to hear from the fans and the community. We want to bring this club back to the community and to the fans. We are here as long-term investors, and it makes sense for us to build a dynasty. Between Mark and Garry, I think we have a dynasty in the making."

Al Mubarak has also promised to help the club develop players to play with the established internationals they can now afford.

Al Mubarak added: "With our backing, with the commitment we are going to make to the academy in the next ten years there is going to be a tremendous period for Manchester City and for us. And I think we are going to have a blast doing it!"

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