Mark Hughes: Manchester City chiefs have knifed me in the back

Mark Hughes last night accused Manchester City's owners of knifing him in the back by plotting his exit for weeks.

Furious Hughes said he had no idea he was going to be sacked before City's 4-3 win over Sunderland at the weekend.

And the ousted City boss accused the club’s hierarchy of treachery, by lining up his successor Roberto Mancini behind his back.

City chief executive Garry Cook, one of those Hughes accused of betraying him, has ducked out of today's official unveiling of Mancini at Eastlands.

Cook decided to dodge today's press conference, knowing he would be grilled over his perceived disloyalty towards Hughes having publicly backed him as City boss.

Hughes said he had acted "with dignity" as speculation increased about his City reign, which came to an end on Saturday after 18 months.

In a statement issued by the League Managers' Association, Hughes said: “Notwithstanding media coverage to the contrary, I was given no forewarning as to the club's decision.

"Given the speed with which my successor's appointment was announced, it would appear that the club had made its decision some considerable time ago.

“I am extremely disappointed not to have been given the opportunity to see through my plans at the club.

“At the beginning of the season I sat down with the owners and it was agreed that a realistic target for the season would be sixth place, or in the region of 70 points.

“All of this was communicated to the players and we all knew where we stood.

“While everyone at the club would obviously have wanted to see more wins, we were absolutely on target at the time of my dismissal.”

He added: “I believe that I have handled with dignity the recent pressure placed upon me by press speculation.”

Craig Bellamy and some of his City team-mates are fuming about the way Hughes was axed - and skipped a club party in protest.

City were due to have their Christmas players bash in London on Saturday night, but many were not in the mood to have a celebration after learning the news about Hughes.

Bellamy - Hughes's long-term ally - was too disgusted to go. There could now be questions about his future at Eastlands because he is such a firm backer of the manager.

The Welshman joined City because of his affection for Hughes a year ago and despite being on a huge contract there is a chance he could be tempted to leave.

There was chaos as Hughes and his staff learnt of their fate minutes after the Sunderland game. Chief executive Garry Cook told skipper Kolo Toure and keeper Shay Given to break the news.

Cook headed off quickly to meet new boss Roberto Mancini for a meal at his Cheshire house, briefing them on today's press conference when some pointed questions will be asked.

There is anger among many City players as the size of the cynicism in the whole exercise hits home. Mancini had been approached and was on a flight to Manchester ahead of the Sunderland match.

Now the fall-out starts and many of Hughes's signings will be wondering about their fates.

City had too many star players vying for positions, with Bellamy and Brazilian Robinho queuing up for a game along with Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor plus Roque Santa Cruz.

And with feelings running high - just as the transfer window comes around - some could be ready for moves as the crazy world of Manchester City goes on.