Mark Hughes spoke to CUTV on Friday morning, firstly reflecting on last weekend’s relegation.
“We were disappointed that we weren't able to take to the last game but that was out of our hands unfortunately.
“It was important just to allow the guys just a little bit of a time and space to come to terms with that. But we came in yesterday, they're in good heart and we're looking to finish the season off in the right manner.”
On discussions with the ownership group about whether he will be at Brunton Park next season, he said: “I've had conversations. I think it's a case of just getting the last game played and then obviously those conversations will continue I'm sure and then we'll know what's happening for next year. I think obviously the club wants to establish which direction they're going so I would imagine it will happen sooner rather than later.”
On the retained and released discussions which are due following the conclusion of the season, he said: “I'm having conversations with players, it's important there's continuity at the moment so I'm just trying to gauge where everybody is.
“I'm trying to obviously speak to them on a positive level, just having general conversations with a lot of the players that will be here next year. I would just get an indication from them, some of them may feel that their future lies elsewhere so I'm just trying to get those conversations in just to give me an idea.”
Rob Clarkson left the club this week, Mark commented: “That was a surprise to everybody but in terms of obviously moving forward it's just a case of all hands on deck. There are good people in the building, a lot of expertise and experience that we can tap into and the club will be in a good place.”
Ahead of the final game of the season, we asked if there were plans to change the team to allow others players to get game time: “Well, first and foremost I want to win the game, that's always my intention whatever the circumstances.
“It won't be easy, I think currently the last four or five games or so I think Salford’s away form is the best, but the reverse of that is our home form is the best in the league in the last four games at home.
“So, something has got to give, let's hope we maintain our good home form right until the last game of the season and we get maximum points. Clearly they've still got an opportunity to get in the playoffs so they're going to be here with good intent, so we've got to match that.
“It's just about finishing the season in the right way in front of our home fans who've stuck with us. We want to give a performance that gives hope and belief for next year so we set off on the right foot whatever the circumstances in the right manner come next year.”
