Harper on “ideal manager” Hughton.
Posted on November 5th, 2010 | 84 Comments |
Shola Ameobi, Kevin Nolan and Joey Barton have now been joined by long serving, and long suffering goalkeeper, Steve Harper, in endorsing Hughton’s hopes for a new contract.
Harper, who has worked with 10 managers since joining the club in 1993 should be more knowledgeable then as to what United need from their boss.
And Speaking to the Telegraphy. Harper has now outlined the characteristics which make Hughton “perfect” for United:
“He has been the ideal manager for us. He doesn’t work the crowd; he just gets his head down and gets on with the job. He doesn’t milk it; he gets on with things irrespective of things going on around him.”
“He is incredible. He is always the same, he doesn’t get carried away when things are going well and he doesn’t get too down when they are not. He is very level-headed, which is what this club needs. He is the perfect man for the job.”
“This club hasn’t always been stable, As recent as 15 months ago we were surrounded by turmoil and uncertainty. It doesn’t help.
“We’ve had far too much of it here over the years. From last August, when Chris was appointed as manager, we have had a fantastic, stable period. Chris has worked hard and he has galvanised the place.
“To manage that situation and get this club out of a very tough position, and to have started so well in the Premier League, the players have worked hard for him, and responded to him.
“He has done a brilliant job and he is starting to get the plaudits he deserves. The fans made their feelings clear. Before we were winning on Sunday there was a “Hughton is a Geordie” banner going up and they chanted his name throughout.
“They are demanding fans, but they know their football. They aren’t daft and they know the job which he has done in difficult circumstances.”
Harper also revealed that he hoped to return to challange Tim Krul for the no.1 spot in Decemeber – despite a slight mishap during the 5-1 hammering of the SMB:
“I hurt myself celebrating the fourth goal when Shola (Ameobi) volleyed it in. While everyone else was jumping around I was nearly crying. I’ll gladly hurt my arm celebrating that.
“I would have loved to have been involved, it was one of those once in a lifetime games. I’ve played in four derby games and haven’t lost, but this was something very special.
“You could tell by the city afterwards and the fans what they were singing on the day showed exactly what they thought of it.”
NUFCBlog Author: Paul Reece
Paul Reece has written 14 articles on this blog.
It is always good to read this type of articles. Words like this spread and having a manger that players like playing for can only help with recruitment. A mid-table finish or better this year will turn a lot of players’ heads