Mark Hughes is embarking on an exciting new period of his career having left Blackburn Rovers for Eastlands in the summer.

The Welshman was a fearsome competitor as a player, performing with distinction for Manchester United and Chelsea in particular. He also played for Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Southampton, Everton and Blackburn. 'Sparky' was a battering ram of a centre-forward, but one who possessed skill, good touch and a keen eye for the spectacular goal, particularly the overhead kick.

In 1999 Hughes moved into management for the first time as he took charge of Wales alongside Neville Southall. The positive impression he made saw Hughes offered a four-and-a-half year contract, with the first 18 months being served on a part-time basis. He was still playing for Blackburn, and helped Rovers into the FA Carling Premiership in the 2000/01 season. He failed to guide Wales to the 2002 World Cup, and then retired as a player, having helped Rovers win the 2002 League Cup.

Hughes was winning plaudits for the job he was doing as Wales manager, and he impressively guided them through the whole of 2002 unbeaten. April 2003 saw Wales break into the top 50 of FIFA's rankings after an eight-year absence, and in June 2004 he was rewarded for his services to football with an OBE.

After a slow start to the 2006 World Cup qualifiers, Hughes took the Blackburn job. He ensured the club steered clear of relegation, while also leading them to an FA Cup semi-final for the first time in 40 years. The second season was his best in charge. Blackburn, who had earned themselves a reputation as a tough and uncompromising outfit under the Welshman, finished sixth and qualified for the UEFA Cup.

Hughes guided Rovers to a 10th place finish in the 2006/07 season, and was attracting plaudits for his canny ability in the transfer market, signing the likes of Benni McCarthy, David Bentley and Ryan Nelsen for bargain prices. Rovers again qualified for the semi-finals of the FA Cup, before losing to Chelsea.

'Sparky's' final season in charge at Ewood Park was lit up by the fine form of another shrewd signing Roque Santa Cruz. The Paraguayan's goals were a major factor in an impressive 7th place finish.

Manchester City announced Hughes as the successor to Sven-Goran Eriksson at the beginning of June and will hope that the manager retains his keen eye for spotting genuine talent and getting the most out of his players.

Hughes smashed the British transfer record on deadline day August 2008 when he signed Brazilian striker Robinho from Real Madrid for £32.5m following a take-over by the Abu Dhabi United Group for Development and Investment.

2007: Manages 100th Premier League match - (Blackburn Rovers 1-2 Aston Villa, 7th April)
2007: Celebrates 50th Premier League win - (Blackburn Rovers 3-1 Newcastle United, 1st December)