Hughton wants to remain manager

Aug 24 2009 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

“The best place for me has always been where I am. At the moment my only focus is where I am now, trying to win matches and keep this club at the top of the table.” The hope is that today’s announcement will add some clarity to a situation locked in limbo since Ashley put Newcastle up for sale with a £100m asking price in May. Ironically, it could signal the end of Hughton’s temporary tenure, or at least pave the way for it. But as he is starting to reap the rewards of the rapport built up with his squad, Hughton claims he will not find it hard to pass the reins on.

“I think what will happen is the club will make a decision at some stage re selling the club,” he admitted. “If the club is not sold they will of course make a decision on who they want as manager . I’m sure I’ll be told very early. It would be very satisfying (to hand over to a new man). My biggest responsibility is to help this club to get back into the Premier League. If it is handing it over to somebody else I will take great pride in handing it over in good shape and at the right end of the table.

“We keep talking about the Monday morning feeling, when there’s a spring in everybody’s step after you’ve won the game at the weekend. It’s nice to have as many of them as possible.” The speculation around the club also extends to the future of some of its key players. Steven Taylor, Fabricio Coloccini and now Nicky Butt are being linked with moves away, threatening Newcastle’s early-season momentum.

Hughton has a list of potential recruits and hinted the club will need more players rather than less before the transfer window closes a week tomorrow.

“We’re not so far off (a promotion-winning squad),” was his assessment. “There’s no doubt we have quality here. The decision the club will have to make is if it is enough to contend with a few injuries.”