Chris Hughton a coach – not a manager

Dec 8 2010 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

CHRIS Hughton was sacked by Newcastle United as the board felt that he was a far better coach than he was a manager.

Although there was a lot of appreciation for the work Hughton did to help get United back into the Premier League last season, owner Mike Ashley and managing director Derek Llambias were not impressed by his transfer record and felt the team was already on the slide.

The team’s terrible home record – just two wins from nine game – and the heavy defeats at Bolton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion convinced those in charge that the problems were far more serious than the team’s league position suggested.

Having failed to act quickly enough when appointing Alan Shearer to try and rescue them from relegation in 2009, Ashley did not want to make a similar mistake this time.

That ensured Hughton’s departure was rapid, the former Republic of Ireland international losing his way without assistant Colin Calderwood – who left to manage Hibernian – to help him.

Click here to read Luke Edwards' full story on the reasons for Chris Hughton's sacking