Stability key for Newcastle United says Chris Hughton

Oct 30 2009 by Steve Brown, The Journal

“The figures mentioned (Ashley’s promise of £20m investment) are figures that would have had to be invested in the club anyway because of the normal running costs with a very high wage bill.

That was expected anyway but I have been told the club will as much as possible back me in my endeavours in the

transfer market to develop this squad over a period of time, and in bringing in the right type of loan players. I will get support from the board.”

First though, comes Monday in Sheffield, where Hughton anticipates yet another tough encounter, despite the Blades’ recent run of six games without victory and the boost his side gleaned from their own win over Doncaster.

“It can be the best type of win because it galvanises the team,” Hughton said. “We were down to 10 men and scored in the last minute, so it’s the sort of result that lifts the crowd and finishes the game with a feel-good factor. It is testament to what we have in this team. It showed we have a spirited group of players with a real desire to be at the right end of the table.

“Now Monday is a massive game and was always going to be. They’ve had a difficult time in recent weeks and had injury problems, but they are a Championship-hardened club with some excellent players.

“Whether they are in good form or bad form, it’s always a difficult place to go. The crowd will get behind them and they will be lifted by the occasion. They are a very good team, with enough quality capable of being at the right end of the table at the end of the season and pushing for a promotion spot.

“We’ll take very good support, as we always do and I am expecting nothing less than a real tough game. We know we will have to go into a game against a very good Sheffield United side with a game plan that will enable us to get something.”