Mark Hughes to rebuild reputation

Stoke City boss Mark Hughes has insisted that he will rebuild his reputation after taking charge at the Britannia Stadium.

The 49-year-old, who was sacked by Queens Park Rangers last November, has faced criticism from various quarters after replacing Tony Pulis at the Potters.

"The populist route of [appointing a manager] who's in vogue. It's been a little bit [hard keeping my own counsel for the past six months]. But I felt the only way I could answer people was by getting a position that gave me an opportunity to work hard and show that what people were saying was incorrect," he told reporters at a press conference.

"I feel that's what I've got here. My intention, for my own sanity, is to repair my reputation at Stoke City and stay here for as long as I can. I can understand it (the opposition from some fans). You have to understand that for the last six months, they have been told my ability as a manager is in question and really I haven't taken any path in terms of recourse to that.

"Sometimes it's illogical. I look at someone on the telly and decide I don't like him when I don't know him. You just make an instant decision and that's human nature."

Hughes has also previously been in charge of Fulham.