Hughton speaks publicly about his Newcastle sacking.
Posted on December 24th, 2010 | 52 Comments |
In an interview with Sky Sports News, Hughton spoke of the disappointment upon hearing the news that both he and Paul Barron were to be axed, his thoughts on the sacking, and his plans for the future after what was an unexpected sacking that caused an uproar from many quarters.
I’m trying to transcript what was said, so be warned that it may not be exactly word for word, but I’ll try and get it as spot on as I can. First off, Chris was asked about what happened on the day he got sacked and how the meeting with Derek Llambias was called.
“I got a phone call in the morning from the managing director, Derek Llambias, it was for myself and Paul Barron to meet him at the stadium after training, and of course I was told then.
“It was a surprise, and I think the fact that Paul Barron was with me made it more of a surprise. If it was a meeting on my own then perhaps I would have had a thought that perhaps something could happen, but it was a complete surprise”
Hughton was then asked how it felt after just being told that both he and Paul Barron were no longer required by the club.
“Lot’s of emotions,” Hughton said. “It’s not a particularly nice thing to happen to anybody and particlularly at a time when it wasn’t expected, but that is part of the game and part of the game you have to get on with.”
“You have to look forward. The reasons why they chose to terminate the contract are their reasons. I’ve been asked on numerous occasions why, but the answer to that is that I can’t say too much. The answers to those questions can only be answered by the managing director and the owner.”
“It was a very quick conversation. The club wanted to go in a different direction, and of course they are the owners and it is their perogative and their choice on how they want to run things.”
Alan Sugar, the former Tottenham Hotspur chairman and current TV celebrity and business mogul said in the aftermath that the decision to sack Hughton was horrendous and laughable. Chris was asked how he felt about the reaction from other names in the game so to speak.
“There have been lots of opinions, certainly in the few days afterwards, but it goes back to the fact that most people held disbelief at what happened, but as I say, these are decisions that are made in football, over my head, by my bosses, and there really isn’t an awful lot I can do about it except look forward.”
Chris was then asked if held any negative feelings towards Newcastle or whether he felt bitter over his sacking. Hughton replied:
“I don’t think you can afford to be bitter. It’s a wonderful club and I look forward to going back there to see games. I had a fantastic time there for nearly three years and enjoyed living in the area, but I don’t think you can afford to be bitter. What you need to do is look forward. I’ve had a long career in the game, and it’s a career that I want to continue.
Chris Hughton being as dignified and diplomatic as ever. Alan Sugar may have been critical of Ashley and Llambias, but it appears that he showed them a trick or two with regard to sacking people. The meeting had a bit of a hint of The Apprentice about it by the sounds of it! “Sit down, Chris. You’re fired!”
I’m glad that Chris will be looking to get back into the game at some point. He is a true gent who helped to drag the club back from the precipice of a massive abyss, and for that we should all be eternally grateful.
Chris Hughton = Legend
Ace. Just transcripted this from Sky, only for them to publish the interview minutes later :roll: