Hughton praising ‘magnificent’ Newcastle fans

Nov 28 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

CHRIS Hughton believes that Newcastle United’s supporters have played a huge role in unifying his squad, admitting that he only feels a “small part” of their table-topping start to the campaign.

Another crowd of more than 40,000 will lend vocal support to Hughton’s men as they bid to extend their unbeaten home run to nine games with victory over promotion rivals Swansea City.

It is the kind of support that has convinced Hughton that whatever drama the club finds itself embroiled in, United essentially “belongs to the fans”.

While there remains deep distrust and antipathy towards the Mike Ashley regime among the support, they have offered impressive backing to the hard-working and committed side that Hughton has fashioned.

Although pragmatic enough to know that his popularity is wholly dependent on results, the United boss is also thankful for being given a fair crack of the whip since being handed control.

While a majority favoured the claims of Alan Shearer over the summer, Hughton’s quiet dignity and the results achieved by his team have steadily won over a section of the support.

The United boss is aware that can change – but is hopeful that the tremendous level of support given to his side so far continues.

“The support have been really good. The times when I’ve been into the city centre, generally the fans have been very supportive towards me. They have been very good,” he said.