Hughton say squad are ready for festivities

Nov 12 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

NEWCASTLE United boss Chris Hughton has ruled out making any more signings before the emergency loan window shuts next week after declaring himself happy that his squad has enough strength-in-depth to negotiate the festive period.

Hughton has already begun working towards the January transfer window, targeting a new centre-back and a striker as priority purchases when he gets his first opportunity to stamp his mark on the squad he inherited in the summer.

But with Steven Taylor and Fabricio Coloccini now over the injuries which left Newcastle’s squad looking threadbare, and Shola Ameobi on course for an early December comeback, Hughton is confident that his squad is strong enough and good enough to take them through until January.

The Newcastle boss is understood to have shortlisted Bolton’s former United defender Andy O’Brien and free agent Sol Campbell as two options to strengthen the club’s back-line – while converting Danny Simpson’s loan into a permanent move is also under consideration.

But for Hughton, who has been delighted by the reaction of his side to the alarming four-match winless run that prompted questions in October, those moves can wait until the turn of the year.

“We are constantly looking at possible signings, but there isn’t anything pressing at the moment. I can’t see anything happening in the short term. We don’t want to sign players just for the sake of it,” he confirmed.

“They have to be the right players as we work towards the January transfer window.

“We’ve got a few players back from injury and that has helped as well. I’m happy with the squad – but if I get the chance to strengthen I will do.”