MARK Hughes has endorsed Mark Trueman’s presence within his coaching team.

Hughes immediately brought in long-term lieutenant Glyn Hodges as his number two when he took the City hot-seat last week.

But he also made it clear that Trueman, who had been in caretaker charge after Derek Adams was sacked, would continue working alongside them both.

Trueman was in the dug-out for Hughes’ first game against Mansfield and the Welshman stressed that he remains very much part of his backroom staff.

Hughes said: “Mark’s been really supportive of what we’re doing and I’m grateful for his input at the moment, Glyn as well.

“He’s got a better insight than most on what the group are like individually and how they work. He’s been invaluable in that regard.

“Mark is a valued member of the staff and well thought of here, so I don’t think there’s going to be huge changes in that regard, certainly not short term if at all.”

Trueman has been described as “City through and through” by chief executive Ryan Sparks, who promoted him and Conor Sellars from the academy to take charge last season.

The pair initially took over on a temporary basis following Stuart McCall’s exit but performed so well that they were given the joint-manager role full-time.

But having surged to within touching distance of the play-offs, a slump at the end of the season saw City pick up just one point from their last seven games and they lost the job.

Both were offered the chance to stay at the club in different positions and Trueman initially accepted a role of first-team link coach before being promoted again to assistant manager by Adams.

He oversaw the recent defeats against Oldham and Harrogate before Hughes was appointed five days ago.