Toon's dynamic duo at work.Huddersfield manager and Toon old boy, Lee Clark, a figure still held in much esteem on Tyneside, has paid tribute to the managerial dynamic duo of Chris Hughton and Colin Calderwood. Speaking after his side’s nailbiting encounter with the Magpies, he said of the pair:
“Chris and Colin have done a magnificent job to focus on the players, and the players have to take credit as well.
“With all that’s happening around the club, they have focused on the job at hand. And they have got to do their job and hopefully get them back in the Premier League”.
Toon, who’s revolving door manager policy of last season eventually resulted in relegation, have made a good start to their Championship campaign, despite an ever dwindling first team squad. Although the competition is undoubtedly much inferior to last season, mostly in terms of technique and pace, Toon at least seem to be finding the consistency they lacked with the ever changing leadership of last year. Yet Hughton, a man who enjoyed great success with the Republic of Ireland and Tottenham as a player, and continued success as a first team coach, assistant manager and caretaker manager (twice) at ‘Spurs, has had difficulty gaining the respect he deserves on Tyneside, and which he still enjoys at the North London Premiership club. (more…)
Sitting prettyI’m all flustered this morning. For some reason my dog took to ferocious barking sessions last night, which had me twice out of bed and searching the premises, cricket bat in hand, ready to cover drive any burglars I found.
However no burglars nor any obvious reason for my dog’s frantic barking was found. Consequently I overslept and I’m now considering which room would look best with a border collie shaped rug on the floor.
Anyway, enough of my problems – what about Newcastle’s? Today is supposed to be D-Day number 147 isn’t it? I wouldn’t bet on it but by a lucky coincidence – given my disturbed night’s sleep – my colleague has covered a lot of the club’s political options so I don’t need to bother. Instead I’ll move swiftly on to other news. (more…)
Nile hopes to impress.Yesterday’s biggest news is of course our 2-0 win at Crystal Palace, which puts us in second place, behind ‘Boro on goal difference. Hughton, reflecting on the game, said:
“It was very pleasing to get the three points, and especially the clean sheet, away from home.
“We said to the players before the game that we expected a tough match, and that’s what we got.
“But to get a goal after just two minutes was a dream start – it gave the players and the fans a massive lift.
“It was then a very good time to get the second goal and again, like Kevin’s, it was a very good finish.
“We had to defend a little bit more after the break but I felt were always in control.
“I thought the effort and desire was tremendous.
“We’re going very well at the moment but we have to keep that going because all of the hard work is in front of us – but it’s been a great start.” (more…)
Shola: Chuckle Brothers love in.Newcastle United hat-rick hero, Shola Ameobi, has issued a plea to stick with Chris Hughton and Colin Calderwood in the dug-out.
Speaking in the afterglow of his hat-rick demolition of Reading on Saturday, which he dedicated to his mentor, the late, great Sir Bobby Robson, Shola said:
“Chris and Colin have done some fantastic things in what is an impossible situation” adding “If the owner doesn’t sell the club we’ve got two guys there who we believe in.”
“There’s been a lot of turmoil upstairs and it’s something we as players can’t do anything about. All I have seen is that the lads really respect Chris and Colin. It’d be great to have a manager but if that doesn’t happen we have got two guys there who can lift us and get us winning games to get back into the Premier League. I’ve seen a response. Even players you’d assume wouldn’t want to be here.”(more…)
