Chris Hughton's praise for Newcastle stars

Jul 18 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

“If you don’t work properly now, then you will fall behind and won’t be able to compete further down the line. This is also the time when you build up strength and that helps to avoid injuries.

“I’m just taking it day to day. I’ve been asked to look after pre-season training and that is what I’m doing. The players have got on with it and we will continue to do so until somebody tells us otherwise.” The entire United squad will be available for today’s trip to Darlington following the return of those who played international football over the summer, with the exception of Nile Ranger who is on international duty with England Under-19s and Obafemi Martins, who has only just returned to full training.

Hughton added: “Everyone is available with the exception of Obafemi Martins. His programme has been different to everyone else because of an injury, but he is back in full training now and it won’t be long until we see him in a friendly, probably next week.

“We’ll look to give the players more time on the pitch over these next two games as we start progressing through pre-season. Darlington will be a stiffer test than Shamrock Rovers and we’re expecting a good game.”

Meanwhile, former Liverpool midfield Steve McMahon has claimed the Singapore-based Profitable Group are still waiting to discover whether their bid for Newcastle United has been successful.

Although the groups bidding for the club have supposedly signed a non-disclosure agreement which prevents them from discussing their bids, McMahon has once again decided to talk in public about Profitable’s interest.

He said: “Our people have been in London all week working with lawyers and attorneys. And we have made them a realistic offer. We have been pushing ahead and, make no doubt about it, the money is in place – we are for real.

“We initially made a tentative bid to begin with and discussions then took place. We were told to come back and that’s what we have done. There has been a formal offer and we want to get things done and dusted as quickly as possible.”

Darlington have confirmed that tickets will be available for Newcastle fans this afternoon at the West Stand ticket office which opens at 10.30am. Adults £10, juniors £5.