What was your overall impression of Hughes?

I thought he was very, very impressive. I really don't know how City have managed to do it. All thoughts of disappointment following Eriksson's departure have been forgotten. That's not a slight on Sven, just a reflection on what a coup this is for the club.

In Hughes, they have probably got the most promising British manager out there. David Moyes might have something to say about that, but the impact of his arrival can't be understated.

He didn't hold back with stating his ambitions for the club, were you surprised by his confidence?

He is probably as confident an individual as you will ever come across. He is extremely ambitious and it was interesting to see that he said he wasn't going to use this job as a stepping stone to bigger and better things. Maybe that will be tested if Manchester United come knocking in the future.

He spoke about the need for stability, which is what City desperately need. They have been a yo-yo club probably since Sir Alex Ferguson took over at old Trafford and it's about time there was some continuity. I think there is every confidence that Hughes is the man to put that right and if the club end up messing this up, they don't deserve success.

He is going to have money to spend. Are the likes of Ronaldinho and Jo realistic targets?

Jo will certainly come. Ronaldinho is a different prospect. If it comes off then it would be just about the biggest transfer coup that British football has ever seen. Whether it happens remains to be seen. Hughes will be given money to spend, and he isn’t the type of manager who will sit back while the owner buys players he doesn't want. He is supremely confident and he just won't have that.

Bentley has been mentioned and I think there is a realistic chance that will happen. He said he wants Champions League football but you can't underestimate the Hughes factor.

What affect will Hughes have on the current squad?

Richard Dunne has been offered big money to move to Portsmouth and Tottenham but I think he will be convinced by Hughes's ambition and stay. I think the whole squad are in for a bit of a culture shock. Sven had a very softly, softly approach, but Hughes is a tough task master and, in much the same vein as Fergie, he is respected and in some ways feared by his players. So I think some of the players in the City dressing-room who have been swanning along are in for a rude awakening.

Where do you think City will finish next season?

Thaksin has said he wants a top-six finish in his second season and with the money I expect them to spend over the summer I would think that is more than realistic. I think Hughes will be disappointed if he doesn't achieve that. I think Uefa Cup football is realistic but I don't think they can force their way into the Champions League just yet. Having said that if they bring in the likes of Ronaldinho, Jo and Bentley then they're probably not going to be far off.