Hughton wants to remain manager
Aug 24 2009 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal
AT the start of a week in which the uncertainty surrounding Newcastle United might start to lift a little, Chris Hughton has finally definitively thrown his hat into the ring to be the next permanent manager.
A rare announcement on Mike Ashley’s attempts to sell the Magpies is expected today, though it may not necessarily be the definitive one fans are hoping for. But the time is approaching when someone – quite possibly Ashley – will have to appoint a permanent manager for the first time since Kevin Keegan left last September. Hughton has filled in as caretaker on three occasions since, each time appearing slightly reluctant. But during a start to the season which has seen Newcastle draw one and win their last three of four games, Hughton has warmed to the task.
Recently he declared a willingness to continue as caretaker for as long as was neccessary, but he has now declared an interest in doing the job full time. And Saturday’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace further strengthened his claims.
Asked outright if he would take the job if offered, the former Republic or Ireland defender replied: “Yes I would.” He also disputed the widely-held view that he was reluctant to transfer from coaching to management. “Management is something
that has certainly always interested me,” he stressed. “When I was at Tottenham there’d been a change of manager and I held the fort.
