Keeping positive.Newcastle manager Chris Hughton has moved today to allay fears of a season of struggle in the Premier League next term.
He believes that the current feel-good factor within the current set of players can only be a good thing and will stand them in good stead next season. Hughton is still hopeful of acquiring some new faces as the true meaning of just what “capital outlay” becomes clearer. One thing will be key to survival, and that is a good start to the season, not just one or two games, but say the first ten for example will be vital. That is where we could steal a march on the rest teams in the hunt for Premier League survival, and also where our unbeaten run that stretches back to February could prove invaluable as we seek to carry the momentum built up this season into the next. (more…)
Another award for the Cockney Colossus.Newcastle United manager, Chris Hughton, accepted his award as the Championship’s ‘Manager of the Year’ in what has proved to be a year for the good guys in football, with the venerable Roy Hodgson claiming the biggest prize for Premiership Manager of the Year.
As is usual with Chris, he wasted no time in spreading the praise around, and claiming it as an award for the whole management team. On receiving the award, he reflected:
“I am honoured to be recognised by the LMA and I accept the award on behalf of everyone at the football club,” he told nufc.co.uk, “But with this being a managerial prize I think special mention should go to the staff.
“Colin Calderwood and Paul Barron have offered me tremendous support throughout the year. We are a managerial team and this award is for them as much as it is for me.(more…)
The quiet man is..... keeping quiet!We are at that time of the season again where inevitably the talk around any club will turn towards the transfer activities of the summer.
Chris Hughton has been quick to play down any expectations of wholesale changes to the playing squad, but is this a shrewd move to divert the press away from the smell of blood whilst plans are made in private? Or is it a genuine statement that the club is pretty much closed for business already?
There appears to be a consensus forming between fans that around four signings will be needed to give the team the best chance of extending our stay in the Premier League beyond next season, and this concensus appears to not be aligned with Hughton’s prophecy of expecting one or two new faces. This could lead to a problem not only on the pitch, it could also brew trouble in the stands aswell. The fact is that some fans are still very sceptical over owner Mike Ashley and his intentions for the club, something that could be clarified by the supposed release of an official club statement which is apparently due sometime soon. If it does turn out that there will be only one or two signings then I have a hunch that it will be seen by some as the owner not backing the team and could result in scenes of unrest not too different from what we witnessed last year. (more…)
Put the balls down, Chris!Now the season is over, you could be forgiven for thinking that manager Chris Hughton may be off for a holiday to recharge the batteries after guiding Newcastle through 46 games and, ultimately, to promotion.
We all know that Hughton has demonstrated amazing professionalism and loyalty throughout the season, and that appears to have continued into the summer break as the quiet man has spurned the chance of a quick getaway with family in favour of travelling around football grounds throughout Europe searching for new talent that could help Newcastle survive in the Premier League next season. It makes sense really, and gives Hughton a chance to evaluate players for himself whilst they still play competitively in whichever respective league they are in. (more…)
An indication of what awaits?They are words that will send shivers down the spine of Newcastle United fans worldwide: Mike Ashley is preparing to release a statement!
You can forgive the feeling of worry when words like that are announced, especially when you take into account that previous statements have been followed by massive disruption and uncertainty through all levels of the club. I think this time will be different though as Mike Ashley has looked like he is again enjoying his tenure as owner, albeit from the executive seats and not the stands, and most will be looking for a positive outlook this time around rather than yet another episode involving the ‘for sale’ signs. The official club statement should be in the public domain some time this week, according to The Journal, the contents of which are sure to be the subject of much deliberation until it’s release. (more…)
