MARK Hughes has defended City from Richard Dunne's claims that the club had stabbed him in the back.

The Blues manager was disappointed at comments made by his former skipper after he joined Aston Villa for £6m after nine years with the Blues.

And he said that Dunne had taken the final step of leaving City, after the signing of Joleon Lescott had clearly restricted his first-team opportunities.

Dunne singled out Garry Cook for criticism, saying the executive chairman had been trying to sell him behind his back, and claiming he knew little of "core loyalty" in football.

But Hughes said: "Richard obviously felt the need to discuss his thoughts on his leaving of City.

Dunne decision

"But the decision was his at the end of the day. He was the only one who signed a piece of paper to change from being a City player to an Aston Villa player.

"It wasn't as if he was forced out of the club. It was a little bit unfair to highlight Garry Cook and his perceived role in discussions."

And Hughes also backed his immediate superiors for the work they have done in strengthening the club in the summer.

"From my point of view I have had great support from Garry and from the chairman Khaldoon al Mubarak," he said. "We work as a team to make sure the club is strong and competitive in future.

"Decisions will be made which affect players, and they may feel they have a view on things which they feel the need to express. But we are just trying to make City a good, strong club, and a successful one."

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