Chris Hughton forced to put plan on hold

Oct 8 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

“It has been good to know we have managed to put the takeover stuff in the background a bit with results and performances. It’s probably to be expected that, with no games, there are

lots of stories regarding the takeover again at the moment.

“It isn’t something we pay any attention to because we have a group of lads who are very focused. They’ve had a good start to the season and this break has come at a good time for us.

“It has given me the chance to give the players a couple of days’ rest this week as well and that is important because of the number of games we have to play in this division.”

Meanwhile, while many supporters have been pleasantly surprised by Newcastle’s start to the season, Steven Taylor (pictured above) insists the players always believed they would emerge as league leaders.

Newcastle remain three points clear at the top of the table, despite dropping four points in their last two home games, and Taylor is confident promotion will be achieved come May.

He said: “We always expected to be where we are now – top of the league. We expected no less. We have high expectations among ourselves as players.

“We demand the best from each other, we’re all behind each other and we are all encouraging each other. The dressing room is fantastic, and for me it’s an honour to play with those lads. They’re a great bunch, off the pitch as well as on it.”

ASHLEY Williams has committed his future to Swansea by signing a new four-year contract.

The Wales defender took time out from international duty to sign the deal, which will see him remain at the Liberty Stadium until 2013. “I’m pleased to commit my future for the next four years,” he said. “Things are looking up on and off the pitch.

“The gaffer (Paulo Sousa) said I was a big part of his plans and wanted me to stay longer. I enjoy working with him so it didn’t take me long to come to an agreement with the club over this new deal.”

The 25-year-old has been an ever-present for Swansea in the Championship this season and is set to add to his 15 international caps in Finland this weekend. Kevin Lisbie, though, has pledged his immediate future to Colchester, where he is on loan, admitting he does not want to play under Ipswich manager Roy Keane.