Mike Ashley flies in to thank players

Nov 27 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

“It’s something he has done reasonably regularly. He visited for a couple of reasons – firstly to see myself and the players. He doesn’t have any particular conversations with the players, he just likes to be here to add his support,” Hughton said. “I think the players appreciate that at a time when things have gone quite well. It is up to them to keep things stable as they are at the moment.

“It was a bit of a progress report but I think it was more to show his face and meet up for a general chat about things.

“The players know that Newcastle will always be in the news, it’s how we are as a club, and I think they do appreciate that he has come up to see them because he is the owner, irrespective of anything that goes on.

“He is still interested and attending the games. He has shown his support at games and by coming to the training ground when he has the chance to.”

It remains difficult to read much into Ashley’s actions, which have been erratic ever since he took over United, but he obviously retains a major interest in affairs at St James’ Park despite his apparent desperation to sell over the summer.

He was in the crowd at Deepdale and has been a regular spectator at games this season, despite continued vocal demands for him to step aside from the United supporters.

But his physical presence will count for little if he is reckless with his investment again in January. Previous transfer windows have harmed United’s squad but the hope remains that he will hang on to the club’s best players while also providing a budget for reinforcement.

That is certainly the scenario Hughton is planning for, with Sheffield United’s Matthew Kilgallon one of his main targets.

“The lad Kilgallon is one of a few players that have interested us,” he confirmed.

“We know what his situation is and we are very keen in the window to ensure we bring in the right players that will add to the squad going into that vital part of the season. He is one of a number of players that we’re interested in.

“He’s a good player and that’s the reason he’s at the club he is at and has played the amount of games that he has. As I say, he’s one of a few that we’re interested in. We’ve got to make sure that come the window we bring in the right type of players.