Survey reveals fans want to keep Chris Hughton as manager

Apr 29 2010 by Alastair Craig, The Journal

AN overwhelming 92% of fans are backing Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton to oversee the club’s Premier League renaissance, a Journal survey reveals today.

But three quarters of the St James’ Park faithful believe up to six new players are essential if the black and whites are to avoid the heartbreak of a fresh relegation fight.

Over 1,200 supporters logged on to the journallive.co.uk website for our three-week survey, which gave fans the chance to reflect on a promotion-winning season.

The poll appears to signal a sea change in opinion on Hughton. One fan hailed the 51-year-old, who steered Newcastle to a season-long unbeaten home run for the first time in 103 years, as inspirational, adding: “He deserves more credit than he’s received, he’s been amazing this season.

“He totally transformed the culture of the club. We’ve got the basics right to move forward again.”

Another left the supportive message: “Hughton has been extremely professional, and has made a team that looks completely together.

“His signings have been good and losses have spurred us on rather than knocked confidence. We’re very hard to beat.”

Only 8.1% of those fans surveyed questioned Hughton’s ability to inspire a top-flight revival, doubting his tactical ability and “pulling power” to attract top players to the city.

The poll reveals a dramatic turnaround for the manager since the Journal’s last online study in October, when only 35% of fans had faith in him leading Newcastle from the Championship into the Premier League.