CHRIS HUGHTON was an under-appreciated saviour of Newcastle United, writes Stuart Rayner. Tomorrow he can expect to get some of the praise he deserves.
THERE is never likely to be a statue of Chris Hughton outside St James’ Park to match the one of Sir Bobby Robson. It may be sacrilegious to say it out loud on Tyneside, but if anything, the quiet man of Newcastle United is even more deserving.
Robson was not just a great manager but a great man. His charisma and enthusiasm transcended football’s tribal loyalties.
He restored Kevin Keegan’s slightly damaged legacy to bring Newcastle some of the greatest nights in their history against clubs like Feyenoord, Juventus and Inter Milan.
When you consider the great days in Hughton’s Magpies career came against the likes of Plymouth Argyle, Barnsley and Ipswich Town, it is perhaps not a surprise his image is yet to be cast in bronze.
However, the reception Hughton gets when he brings Norwich City to his old stomping ground tomorrow will underline just how much the fans of Newcastle appreciate what he did for them in their hour of need.
As those who played under Hughton are only too willing to attest, it is not just the supporters who are grateful to him and his loyal assistant Colin Calderwood.
“He deserves a fantastic ovation and recognition for what he did in his time here,” reflects Hughton’s first-choice goalkeeper, Steve Harper.
“He played a huge part in the rebuilding of this club and I’m sure the fans won’t want to forget that and will show their appreciation before and probably at the end of the game as well.
“Chris and Colin – don’t forget Colin – did magnificently.”
A once-great club was not quite at is lowest ebb when Hughton took over, but not far off.
It is no exaggeration to say the Magpies would not have been playing Europa League football in Madeira on Thursday had it not been for him.
His successor, Alan Pardew, was quick to acknowledge his debt to Hughton for laying solid foundations when he picked up the Manager of the Year Award at the end of last season.
It is worth remembering the terrible situation Hughton stepped into in the summer of 2009.
Newcastle had been humiliatingly relegated after a season of three managers.
Hughton had played his part, standing in twice as caretaker without managing to lift the club from its lethargy.
Prize assets had to be sold – though crucially not all of them. More importantly, morale had to be rebuilt.
Fortunately, as he showed at Birmingham City last season, Hughton’s unassuming style is perfectly suited to the job of crisis management.
