Best is yet to come from Newcastle United signings

Feb 2 2010 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

“It is up to us as well, of course. We have to coach them right and make sure we use them in the right way, but the most important thing is they have the ability.

“For me it is more exciting to bring in players where you can see the potential. And of course they are very excited about being at Newcastle, because it is a fantastic club. The chance to establish themselves here is a big motivation.

“Of course, the most important thing is to get into the Premier League – we have to get there first and these players know this division.”

Best, who will compete for a spot in the side with Andy Carroll, Shola Ameobi, Peter Lovenkrands and Nile Ranger, offers Newcastle a different option – and Hughton admits adding pace was an important consideration in January.

“I think what we wanted is different types of strikers. We know we’re going into the business end of the season and have to be able to compete on all fronts,” he said.

“He’s different: he’s got a bit of power and a bit of pace. He’s a lad that has played in this division and is used to it. More importantly he’s got lots of potential.

“He’s 23 and that is a very good age. We feel that there’s a lot more to come from Leon and that we can bring out the best in him.”

United could not do a deal for Victor Moses, who signed for Wigan, but Hughton said he had always factored for missing out on some of his targets. “Everyone knows we were interested in Victor and we tried to sign him but he decided to go to Wigan,” he said.

“Sometimes you can’t affect what happens. Every club has players that they target but don’t get.

“There’s so much business being done, you need to have other options and that’s what we had.”

Meanwhile, Hughton says he will give his new players time to settle before considering the loan market. He retains an interest in Carlos Vela, the Arsenal forward, but is unlikely to pursue it unless his squad is hit by injuries.

“I can’t see too much change in the squad between now and the end of the season at the moment,” he said. “I think we will just have to get a feel for the team now that we have added the new players.

“It is always open to us.”