MARK Hughes has brought in Glyn Hodges as his City number two.

The pair were at training together today – reuniting a partnership that began with Wales in 2004 and has continued throughout the manager’s career.

Hodges, a former Welsh international like Hughes, has signed a deal until the summer of 2024.

The 58-year-old said: “I am really delighted to be coming on board and to have had the first session today.

“It has been a bit of a whirlwind and I did not know until a couple of days ago, so things move very quickly.

“But getting the boots on and getting on the field has been enjoyable.

“I have known Mark for a long time and we have been together at seven clubs over the years. When he rings you and offers you an opportunity, you do not turn it down.

“We have been planting a few seeds with the players and are looking forward to putting a bit more work into them over a free week next week.

“I cannot wait for tomorrow and to properly put my teeth into the role.”

Hodges was named the Welsh under-21 manager under Hughes in 2004.

He then followed him to Blackburn and Manchester City as reserve boss. After a brief spell in a coaching role at Leeds, Hodges then re-joined Hughes at Fulham, QPR and Stoke.

The 58-year-old teamed up with Wally Downes as AFC Wimbledon’s assistant manager in December 2018 – and took over the main role in September after Downes was charged by the FA for betting misconduct.

Hodges was in charge of the League One side until January last year when he left the club after a home loss to rivals MK Dons.

He has been at Doncaster for the last few weeks working for manager Gary McSheffrey as part-time set-piece coach.

Hughes said: “I am pleased to be working with Glyn again. He has been involved at almost every club I have since becoming a manager.

“He has lots and lots of knowledge and is a really good coach. I first came into contact with him many moons ago in the Welsh youth team so we go back a long time.

“It is a good appointment. Glyn understands the league and has managed at this level and above, so comes with a good knowledge of players and the leagues themselves.

“It is important for me to have people I trust around me, in terms of expertise, and Glyn is certainly one of those people.”

Mark Trueman will also continue in an assistant role to Hughes.