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.

17th September 2012

'A WEEK surrounded with talk of belated apologies, naked pictures and a whole hullabaloo over a handshake culminated in our first clean sheet, a point against Chelsea and an impressively committed and imposing performance that I haven`t seen since Ashley Young`s Olympic worthy diving routine at Old Trafford last season.

Anton and I had discussed the pre-match handshake at length; whether a snub of the gesture or a punch in the face would suffice. We opted for the former, detailing the possibility of a potential backlash from Terry`s 'we`ll do anything Mr Terry tells us` clique had Anton smacked the parasite to society round the nose. I wonder if his affable crew are as intuitive and intelligent as the Chelsea fans who evidently know they are indeed the Champions League holders?

The days leading up to Saturday`s game were much less animated. Brentford understandably categorically denied their interested in Rob Hulse, Granero declared his excitement at becoming part of our exciting project and Cisse informed us he intends to see out his contract here, score 6 goals in France before moving his colourful beard and outlandish personality onto America.

A special mention goes to the lads that went up to Belfast for Alan McDonald`s memorial match on Monday. I unfortunately couldn`t make the game; the main reason being listening to a conversation between Jim Magilton and Iain Dowie would have been far too taxing having had to listen to Jamie Mackie and Wright-Phillips, two of the simplest footballers I`ve ever met, converse over the release of the new FIFA. A 3-2 victory for the QPR legends certainly would have made Macca proud.

We turn our attentions to a week ending with a trip to White Hart Lane. AVB has already made a promising start at his customary job of turning a decent Premier League outfit into a disordered and laughable side - don`t tell the Spurs fans that though, they still think they can win the league.`

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.