Hughton: I decide Magpies’ transfers

Nov 7 2009 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

CHRIS Hughton has reassured Newcastle United fans he will have the final say on transfer activity this winter, and will “fight tooth and nail” to make sure a squad which currently sits top of the Football League only gets stronger.

The Magpies’ undemonstrative manager is viewed in some quarters as a “yes man” for Mike Ashley’s regime, handed the job in preference to the far less compliant Alan Shearer.

But Hughton has asserted his authority ahead of today’s Championship game at home to Peterborough United. Earlier in the season club owner Ashley claimed it was ultimately down to him which players moved in and out of St James’ Park, but now he has been installed as Newcastle’s permanent manager, Hughton says the responsibilities have shifted.

The issue has been a topical one after Kevin Keegan and Alan Curbishley won cases for unfair dismissal in recent weeks by proving players had been bought and sold without their say-so – something Hughton is confident will not happen to him, insisting: “I will have the final say.”

Although Hughton expects there to be some, the plans for which players United will try to sign in January appear vague. But on the prospect of departures, the manager was unequivocal.

“I will fight tooth and nail to keep players,” he said. “My intention is not to make this squad weaker. I have had no indication that there are any players here who want to leave. That is what I would expect. If we are able to sustain the position we are in, it’s more a case of adding than letting people go.”

Hughton also denied there was any agreement which would allow Argentina winger Jonás Gutiérrez to leave in the new year.

On the day he confirmed Hughton’s permanent appointment, Ashley also announced a £20m injection into the club.

Most of that is expected to go on running costs, and no discussions have taken place with the manager over the size of war chest he can look forward to.