Mark Hughes was appointed as Fulham Manager in July 2010. Hughes’ managerial career began with his appointment as the Welsh national coach in 1999. He remained in charge for five years and came close to qualifying for Euro 2004. In their qualifying group Wales beat Italy, but were denied a place in the final tournament after losing to Russia in the playoffs.
Hughes resigned from the Welsh national side in September 2004 to take charge of Blackburn Rovers in the F.A Premier League, the club he finished his playing career with. His aim on appointment was to keep Blackburn clear of relegation which he succeeded in doing, whilst also taking the club to an F.A Cup semi-final for the first time in over 40 years.
In his second season, Blackburn finished in the top six of the Premier League and qualified for the UEFA Cup, beating teams such as Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal during the campaign. After just missing out on the League Cup final, his team sealed their spot in Europe by defeating champions Chelsea 1–0.
During the 2006–07 season Rovers finished 10th and reached the FA Cup semi-final for the second time under Hughes’ tenure, but were defeated by Chelsea 2-1.
In June 2008, Hughes left Blackburn Rovers and was appointed as manager of Manchester City, and finished 10th in his first season with the club, as well as reaching the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup. During this period City’s home form was among the best in the league. He remained with Manchester City until December 2009, losing only two league games that season, prior to his departure.