Hughton speaks on the price of keeping top players.

Posted on January 16th, 2010 | 57 Comments |

Hughton: Balancing act.
Hughton: Balancing act.
Newcastle United manager, Chris Hughton has been speaking on the decision made to keep top players (and high earners) such as Jose Enrique, Fabricio Coloccini, Kevin Nolan and others at the club while it goes through the “transitional period” of life in the Championship.

With the club having to survive on a turnover that is almost half what it was in the Premiership, Hughton defended the decision, even though it may affect the terms offered to new players joining the club.

First though, he spoke about the ongoing negotiations to keep Danny Simpson at the club, saying:

“Danny is in the right frame of mind to play on Monday night, even though it might be his last game for us.

“As part of the agreement, his last game is on Monday, but Danny is a very good professional week in, week out and I would not anticipate any problems with his frame of mind.

“It is something we are still working on. It is a normal process and the negotiations are still ongoing.

“It is always a possibility someone else could come in for him, but at the moment it is not something I’m thinking about.

“Negotiations are taking place, and they are always very private. Sometimes it does not end up that way, but the starting position has to be it is private between the player and the negotiator.

“Danny has done very well for us and we are hopeful something will happen. It is probably getting a little bit boring I suppose.

“Most people are aware there are players that we are interested in. Danny is one of them, as is Jermaine Beckford.”

On the more general situation he added:

“This club is going through a transitional period.

“We have gone down a division with players still earning Premier League wages, and that can not be sustained for years and years.

“It is where we are at the moment and, if we can continue doing what we are doing, then hopefully we will not have to sustain it in the Championship for too much longer.

“Hopefully, we can start talking about signing players on Premier League wages again. When we reached that pivotal period in the summer, and we were not really sure what was going to happen in terms of players coming and going, there was a decision to make.

“Thankfully, the decision was a lot of the players on big money would stay.

“The club could have pushed it the other way and decided to get rid of every big earner on the books, but they didn’t.

“The statement from the club was that we wanted to have a go and that in turn meant continuing to carry the massive wage bill we have.

“I would rather have the senior players in the squad and have to run a tight ship than have sold a lot more players in the summer but have a bit more money to spend.”

Hughton went on:

“Ultimately, it is the club’s decision.

“I wanted to keep everybody here. As temporary coach at the time, I would have been happy to have had Damien (Duff), Oba (Martins) and Habib (Beye) as well.

“I would have been happy to have kept every player in the squad, but that is from a coach and management point of view.

“The club have to make a decision of where they need to balance the books and they decided to keep enough of the senior players to allow us to be in the position we are today.”

NUFCBlog Author: workyticket workyticket has written 1095 articles on this blog.

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57 Responses

  1. SJT really sad to say that I whole heartedly agree with you. But never really expected much anyhow. Really dont like this window as everything is overpriced and if you do get a club to agree to a reasonable price the player then wants silly money. Surely in the case of Simpson put in his contract that he gets an increase on gaining promotion and so on. Is it really that hard to thrash out a COMPROMISE.

  2. If we sign players now they wont be good enough for the premiership anyway, i’d be happy to keep what we’ve got, plus simpson.

  3. Jay Jay yep ive said that for some time now.

    Beckford- is a 2.5 million gamble in the same way as Trundle that was always talked about but no one ever did anything about.

    Kilgallon- not a bad player but would only warm the bench unless of course injuryies but we already have Kadar.

    5 or 6 million that we wont spend/gamble with, and why would ashley after all the sheite he talks from us the NUST and everyone else that cares to take a swipe. Although most of it is deserved.

  4. We should not be bullied by master bates at leeds, if he doesn’t want our ‘decent’ money for a player who’s off for nowt come summer-up his arse.
    If kilgallon (or his agent?)wants more than he’s worth, for someone who’ll prob sit on the bench-up their arse.
    etc, etc.

  5. I will be happy if we get a few loans plus Simpson, when people say its same old, same old, well we dont want to be lumbered with alot of players we dont need come the summer, might as well wait and keep the money we have and use it wisley come summer.

  6. See Ed is away with his Edlines again – disgusting. “Short Term thinking could cost Newcastle”

    Yet Chris Hughton states ““During the summer, there was a major decision to be made. Thankfully, the decision was that a lot of the players who were on big money would stay. The club could have pushed it the other way and decided to get rid of every big earner on the books, but they didn’t.

    “The statement from the club was that we wanted to have a go, and that in turn meant continuing to carry the massive wage bill we’ve got.

    “For this division, we still have an incredible wage bill.

    “But I would rather have the senior players in the squad and have to run a tight ship than have sold a lot more players in the summer but have a bit more money to spend.”

    Looks anything but short term thinking to me. Ed seems to enjoy drumming up trouble – wonder if he is advising NUST on how to hate.

  7. Stardust says:
    January 16, 2010 at 1:13 pm

    “Looks anything but short term thinking to me. Ed seems to enjoy drumming up trouble – wonder if he is advising NUST on how to hate.”

    No he isn’t Stardust, be fair. He has made some very sensible and knowledgeable comments on here and elsewhere about the NUST, and it’s inconsistencies.

  8. I would be happy with 3 loan signings, as Jay Jay has said any player we sign now is unlikely to be good enough to start if we get back to the Premiership, unless we could pull of a signing like Joe Ledley but he will be in the same position as Kilgallon in that he can have his pick in the Summer.

    Keeping what we’ve got together is more important.

  9. Stardust I have to say you make a few good points at 9 im just surprised your little dwarf side kick booty boy is not here to back you up but maybe he is trying to back stuart up in a corner to have his wicked way’s with him.
    Worky I notice booty has been a busy bee welcoming bloggers back onto Eds I think it might be the right time to ban him from here lol. I find it hard to converse with a grass

  10. Nobby Solano training with 1st team……
    Just got back from taking my son to football training at Northumbria Uni at Coach Lane, one of the other parents went to NUFC training ground prior to attending his son’s training and saw Nobby.
    I promise you all that this is not a wind up.
    Maybe they are looking at an alternative to the Simpson deal which appears dead.
    Personally I would have Nobby back as he could offer cover in midfield as well as RB.

  11. batty,
    Cheers m8, I have no reason to tell porkies,
    Just thought I would share the news.

  12. MOONDUST says:
    January 16, 2010 at 1:41 pm
    batty do you really know who roy cropper is
    <<<<yes :lol:

  13. selling the current top earners would probably cost us more if we didn’t get promotion by doing so. So whether to or not is a no brainer especially as the team seems to have a a certain amount of unity at present.
    There has to be players out there looking to get regular games that they aren’t getting at present, Beye is one who spring to mind and that “goal?” scorer at ManU is another.
    Anyone watching The African footy, there has to be several that would like to have a trial period (like Bassong, ok I know he was with a French club but the priciple is the same) to show what they can do. I am bemused as to why its being shown on the channel it is on. Do many actually get it, also it’s not being repeated anywhere else.

  14. I’ve been saying for some time we should get Nobby back so if the rumour is true, great!

  15. MOONDUST says:
    January 16, 2010 at 1:41 pm
    batty do you really know who roy cropper is
    <<<<yes

    I dont think you do but tell me and i will tell you if your right. and that Sir Alan is a real nasty piece of work

  16. batty says:
    January 16, 2010 at 1:53 pm
    moondust whos sir alan

    he was saying something about you that wasn’t very nice and there was no need for it. and i give you my word that i have nowt to do with him or komfort and thats a piggy promise

  17. and if you dont believe me ask billy bunter he knows its not me. just remember there is only one moondust there might be lots of stars but only one moon

  18. any way hughton is just softening the blow for those who actualy think were gonna sign some 1 this window the sooner the fat c@nt sells up the better and take mr yes man with u

  19. Worky “No he isn’t Stardust, be fair. He has made some very sensible and knowledgeable comments on here and elsewhere about the NUST, and it’s inconsistencies.”

    There’s a cast difference between personal views and articles based around sensationalism and put out with the ambition to generate hits.

    Very very cheap shots in my opinion.

  20. batty says:
    January 16, 2010 at 2:02 pm

    “any way hughton is just softening the blow for those who actualy think were gonna sign some 1 this window the sooner the fat c@nt sells up the better and take mr yes man with u”

    Batty, would you happier if Hughton flounced out like a big baby saying “I can’t work under these conditions”, then for Ashley to bring back Joe Kinnear? I know that you’re such a big fan of his. :-)

  21. batty says:
    January 16, 2010 at 2:02 pm
    any way hughton is just softening the blow for those who actualy think were gonna sign some 1 this window the sooner the fat c@nt sells up the better and take mr yes man with u

    just remember with out the fat c@nt we could be in real trouble you have to be gratful for that atlest

  22. the only thing i can see is yet another transfer window where big mike walks away with his pockets stuffed with cash…….

  23. I’d take three loan deals now. Unfortunately I’m not too sure it will improve us.

    While Forest and WBA could be strengthening we could be standing still or in fact reducing our numbers.

    Not ideal when were in a three way race for the top two.

  24. workyticket says:
    January 16, 2010 at 2:09 pm
    batty says:
    January 16, 2010 at 2:02 pm

    “any way hughton is just softening the blow for those who actualy think were gonna sign some 1 this window the sooner the fat c@nt sells up the better and take mr yes man with u”

    Batty, would you happier if Hughton flounced out like a big baby saying “I can’t work under these conditions”, then for Ashley to bring back Joe Kinnear? I know that you’re such a big fan of his.
    <<<<< worky no m8 ide be happyer if he just fckd off

  25. batty , i post on here , ed’s & young doocey’s with the this nic….i never post under anything else – sorry to disappoint you. now go forth & multiply….

  26. batty says:
    January 16, 2010 at 2:11 pm
    moondust ur a tw@t

    its funny the way you get all brave when stardust is about so watch your mouth or i will slap you about the same way klondyke did and you dont want to go there do you booty boy

    komfort i appoligise m8 > does that mean you got your single brain cell working again

  27. well i was considering our relationship batty & our business ventures…. but i’m willing to give it one more go…apoligey excepted.

  28. komfort dont be to hard on the boy he is a loaf short of a picnic i tried telling him that it wasn’t you but booty knows it all fuk all

  29. booty i finished with your missus ages ago i thought she went back to you but maybe not after i looked after her she found out what a real man was like and couldnt bare to go back to you.

  30. batty says:
    January 16, 2010 at 2:44 pm
    moondust the coward your more yellow than double yellow lines
    please enlighten me in how im a coward ? i even stuck up for you against Sir Alan on eds as he was saying things that weren’t nice. i even tried to stop you making a fool of yourself when you were saying i was komfort or roy cropper but then again you are a loaf short of a picnic.and lastly did you hear the old saying he who speaks with fork tounge licks both cheeks, you were all friendly with my old sparring partner rodzilla and at the sametime you were trying to get him barred by ed COWARD

  31. Sorry lads I just keep getting the point of the blog wrong. I realise that I have to insult someone to get a response but I don’t have that much nasty in me, so i’ll just keep making the odd reasoned comment to see if the pearls aren’t gobbled up by porcine creatures.

  32. Stardust says:
    January 16, 2010 at 1:13 pm
    See Ed is away with his Edlines again – disgusting. “Short Term thinking could cost Newcastle”

    Interesting use of the word “disgusting” – about someone who puts time into a blog and who puts up topics for discussion. You see, I reserve the word “disgusting” for things like Joey Barton’s assaulting people, racial prejudice etc.
    Ed merely posted some thoughts – with the word “could” – for people to air their views. Funny how these things land – I always get the impression that Ed is a reasonable person who is passionate about the Toon and wants to enjoy and stimulate Toon chat – whereas you (Stardust) always come across as unpleasantly abrasive and arrogant and with the intention of stamping out discussion by hammering those who might hold a different opinion to you. However, I’m sure you’re really kind to kittens and babies and love all humanity, really.Perception’s an intersting thing, don’t you think?

  33. Big Willy says:
    January 16, 2010 at 3:13 pm

    “Sorry lads I just keep getting the point of the blog wrong. I realise that I have to insult someone to get a response but I don’t have that much nasty in me, so i’ll just keep making the odd reasoned comment to see if the pearls aren’t gobbled up by porcine creatures.”

    Big Willy, you make some very good, reasoned comments. I read them and I’m sure that many other people do. Keep it up!

  34. Big Willy dont worry m8 i enjoy reading your reasoned comments. and you dont have to insult anyone other than batty or his other aka characters nando, bennytoon, supertrooper, kkforever. reet lads im away down to the metro see if i can catch batty selling the big issue i cant wait to slap him about like a kipper

  35. MOONDUST says:
    January 16, 2010 at 2:57 pm
    batty says:
    January 16, 2010 at 2:44 pm
    moondust the coward your more yellow than double yellow lines
    please enlighten me in how im a coward ? i even stuck up for you against Sir Alan on eds as he was saying things that weren’t nice. i even tried to stop you making a fool of yourself when you were saying i was komfort or roy cropper but then again you are a loaf short of a picnic.and lastly did you hear the old saying he who speaks with fork tounge licks both cheeks, you were all friendly with my old sparring partner rodzilla and at the sametime you were trying to get him barred by ed COWARD
    <<<<< lying c@nt isac hunt

  36. Magpie6699

    As you say – blogs are for opinions – mine is that Ed continually sensationalises Edlines or simply Makes them up to get hits.

    Its rather ironic you try and accuse me of hampering debate yet you try and prevent me from having an opinion.

    You are entitled to your opinion about me as I you.

    Furthermore – re “always come across as unpleasantly abrasive and arrogant and with the intention of stamping out discussion by hammering those who might hold a different opinion to you.” au contraire – if my argument is so well founded it shuts you up – I cant help it. If my argument has no weakness – it simply shows a higher level of thinking. And sometimes I might just say things for a reaction – you’ll have to learn to spot the difference as many on here now can.

    Re “However, I’m sure you’re really kind to kittens and babies and love all humanity” No I tie them all up in bags and throw them in rivers.

    SO there you have it – a self confession of what a despicable fellow I am – do you feel better?

  37. Stardust, I realise your tying up kittens and babies comment was a joke (at least I hope so) I remember as a wee laddie my dad drowning some kittens in a bag in a tub it was bloody horrible.
    Having said that I have no love for cats as they kill so many wild birds (over a million a year) and make my eyes and nose itch in a big way, I would draw the line at killing them though, now Sunderland supporters!! (Kidding)

  38. Stardust – thank you for a reasonable approach. What I find unpleasant on any blog, as Big Willy alludes to, is the use of insults and sarcasm and the presentation of what you describe as an argument ( I prefer discussion) as something which has to have a winner and a loser – which I find strange when what we are dealing with for 95% of the time is opinion and speculation. It IS possible to agree to disagree – and your having a different opinion to me doesn’t make you disgusting – except about kittens and babies -isn’t throwing them into rivers a waste of good food?
    In my work I frequently come across people who try to stifle other opinions e.g. in teams, by the use of sarcasm and ridicule – effectively bullying others into silence -and it’s something that really annoys me when I observe it.
    I accept that that is not your intention – but it can come across a bit like that.

  39. Magpie “except about kittens and babies -isn’t throwing them into rivers a waste of good food?” LOL

    No I certainly never intend to stifle debate – its the lifeblood of living. And if we all agreed our existence would be pretty boring.

    Hope you saw the humour and little bait dangled in the higher level of thinking paragraph too.

    I can come across as all the things you say – but many of them are said with a twinkle in the eye and mischief at heart – unfortunately you cant see them online. Anyway you’ll have to work out which comments are which lol.

  40. Just a reminder to CH if a player under contract doesnt want to move he only has to say NO & the club has to pay up until the end of his contract. All the players who left did so on their own free will even though MA wanted rid of their expense So dont come the line that the club wanted to keep the big earners that we have left Either no club wanted to pay their inflated wages or the player was quite happy to sit back & earn a fortune in a lower division until his contract was up