Man City's Richard Dunne: 'Save our Sparky'

Manchester City captain Richard Dunne has warned the club's owner not to drive Mark Hughes out of Eastlands.

Republic of Ireland star Dunne was on his way out of City when Thaksin Shinawatra sacked Sven Goran Eriksson after just one season in charge.

But the appointment of Hughes as manager saw Dunne reject offers from Tottenham and Portsmouth to sign a new four-year contract.

Now, just two months into the Welshman's reign, City are in turmoil once again, with Shinawatra fleeing corruption charges in Thailand and Hughes' decision to block Vedran Corluka's £8m departure to Spurs.

Dunne said: "I assume that when the manager came here it was with the belief that he would get long-term support. It is very important that the club stabilises itself."