Hughton manages to keep his focus

Oct 16 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

Despite dropping four points in their last two home games against Queens Park Rangers and Bristol City, Hughton argued that the start to the season had still been an almost overwhelmingly positive one for a club which looked in turmoil over the summer following relegation.

He said: “It is very much about the team and that team is growing with each game. We have to maintain that. We will have to play three games in eight days, and we know the league position could change by the end of the week.

“There are nine points to play for and we have to very much stay focused on the job we are doing and make sure we remain at the top end of the table.

“If you asked me at the start of the season how I would feel to be three points clear at this stage then I would have delighted, but we are coming off the back of two games at home which were opportunities to extend the lead.

“Probably the most important thing, looking back on those games, is that we did not lose. We managed to take something from the game even though we wanted all three points.

“We are in a healthy position at the moment and the games are coming thick and fast. They are difficult gamers.

“We know the challenges ahead, and we must be sure we are prepared for them.”