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Cape Town - Former
Stoke City manager Mark Hughes insists he looks back with pride at the
job he did at the Potters despite being sacked by the club on Saturday.
Stoke have endured a difficult Premier League campaign and slipped into the relegation zone on New Year's Day after a 1-0 defeat at home against Newcastle United, their fifth loss in seven games.
The Magpies result was further compounded by a humiliating 2-1 defeat at the hands of League Two side Coventry City in the FA Cup on Saturday, which led to Hughes' sacking shortly thereafter.
However, in his first three seasons at the club, Hughes led Stoke to three consecutive ninth-place finishes in the Premier League and he believes it is something of which he can be proud.
"Together, we have enjoyed four successful campaigns including three consecutive ninth-placed finishes; the highest position the club has reached since 1975," said Hughes, according to Sky Sports.
"I will always be very proud of this achievement and I’d like to thank my coaching staff, the players and everyone at Stoke City for their hard work during my time as manager.
"Although so far this season we haven’t matched the high standards set in previous years, I remain confident that performances and results will improve in the second half of the season.
"Finally, I’d like to wish the club and its loyal supporters success and good fortune in the future. I look forward to the next challenge in my management career."
Stoke next travel to Old Trafford to face Jose Mourinho's Manchester United side on Monday with the Potters currently languishing in the relegation zone.
Kick off is at 22:00 (SA time).
