Hughes leaps to Dunne’s defence
Dunne was handed a straight red card by referee Mike Dean after bundling over Darren Bent as the striker went in search of a hat-trick.
That incident came after the defender was culpable in Tottenham’s opening goal in their 2-1 victory at Eastlands.
He failed to cut out a long ball from Luka Modric and Bent took advantage to score the first of his two goals and equalise.
Dunne has come under fire from a section of the fans — he also scored two own goals in the defeat by Bolton and the draw against Newcastle.
Hughes, however, has faith in his skipper.
He said: “People are highlighting the goals we have conceded and that he has been involved in.
“But they forget how many times he has saved us, not only this season but in the past. He is in credit and it is just a spell he is going through. He will come through it — he is a strong character. I have no worries in that respect.”
With Gelson Fernandes also sent off after two yellow cards, Hughes will be down on numbers at Hull on Sunday.
Midfielder Dietmar Hamann, though, has little argument with Dean’s decisions.
He said: “To get two yellows for two fouls in 25 minutes is a bit hard. Maybe he could have had a word with him (Fernandes) for the second challenge. But at the end of the day, they are both bookable offences.
“As for Dunny, he is the last man, so I do not think you can argue with that either.”
Hughes has seen his side win only one of their last seven league games, leaving them one point above the relegation zone.
But chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, who was in attendance yesterday at Eastlands, says it is nonsense to suggest the former Blackburn boss’ job is under threat.
“We are calm and under control and we on the board have the highest regard for Mark,” he said.
“I am personally committed to him as I am committed to the partnership between executive chairman Garry Cook, Mark and myself.
“This is a winning team that is going through a learning curve right now.
“Thankfully I do not read the newspapers that are saying he is under pressure but I find it incredible.
“I am told that there are reports that we are associated with two different coaches and that we are about to sign them. It is rubbish.”
Al Mubarak has reiterated the Abu Dhabi United Group, who own City, have a 10-year plan in place and there will be funds available for the manager to strengthen his squad when the transfer window re-opens in two months.
He said: “While January is going to be an interesting opportunity for Mark to improve the team, this is an exciting dynasty we are building and we are only in the first two months.
“I think people will see then that we have good foundations in place in the team, we have a good coach and that we will be upgrading in terms of players. Hopefully the results will come.”
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