Chris Hughton arrived at Newcastle United for his first day of work at his new club yesterday.
Chris Hughton – Kevin’s new Assistant Manager
Chris was officially unveiled as Keegan’s assistant manager last night and as we reported yesterday, his main priority this week will be working with our defense. His task is to try to plug the many holes that keep appearing in it. Not an easy first job at the club.
We have given up 52 goals in our first 27 league games, which is five more than we conceded last season for all 38 games. It’s just a woeful performance this season from our new look defense. 🙁
So again, it’s not hard to see where improvement is needed at Newcastle United. While it’s really all over the pitch, the defense in particular needs a couple of dominant players and leaders to be brought in during the summer. That’s got to be Kevin’s priority plus a number of flair players with speed. We don’t think 4 new senior players will be near enough to turn us around for next season, which has to be the aim during the summer transfer window.
On his arrival yesterday Hughton said:
“All it took was a phone call and within seconds I’d said yes,” “When you have been in the game for as long as I have, the opportunity to come to a club of this stature is always going to be too big an opportunity to turn down.”
“When the phone call came it was very welcomed and I jumped at the chance straight away.” “My role is to support Kevin as part of a coaching group that we feel can enhance the qualities of the team.”
“I have known Kevin for some time and I have been in, and enjoyed, his company on many occasions.” “As somebody from outside that is always looking in on Newcastle, you always look in awe of what a fantastic club it is.”
“The city and the supporters that the club has is incredible and I’m very excited to be part of it.”
Hughton is very experienced as both a player at Tottenham, where he played 297 times and as a coach there too. He left last October when Martin Jol was sacked. Chris also served as assistant to Brian Kerr with the Ireland national team between 2003 and 2005.
We’re hoping his impact will be immediate this week, and our defense can put in a solid display this Saturday.
That hasn’t happened in a long long time – so it must be due. 😀
Let’s know what you think. Comments are always welcome.
48 comments so far
Leo* I HATE NICKY BUTT
Feb 26, 2008 at 6:04 PM
Comment #41hear hear CRAIGG
carl.s.
Feb 26, 2008 at 6:46 PM
Comment #42CRAIGG,
Yes all these things you say are true. Keegan did fantastic with Newcastle , when it was going well, he did fantastic with Man City when it was going well, did what was widely regared as poorly with England, he quit admitting he wasnt quite good enough.
Now KK did great getting us out of the 1st division but that doesnt equate to being a great manager or that would mean Roy keane is or Brian Robson etc…
Now when he put a great team together which played the best football I have ever seen at the town. But he did it at a time where there was only Man U and Arsenal and Liverpool had big money. When he famously lost the plot he never managed to get the plot back.
people like you CRAIGG are blind to all the obvious things going against KK.
For instance how many times have Wenger/Fergason stripped their teams back and started again. KK has NEVER done this. whenever it has gone wrong, thats it, for one reason or another he is gone.
Another reason I dont think he will succeed is its a diffent landscape now. There ar 10 teams now with big cash, before it was only four.
Again while KK has done great getting teams started , he has never ever finshed a job, ever!
Chris F
Feb 26, 2008 at 8:55 PM
Comment #43how about we go back to supporting the team instead of turning into a bunch of whining bitches, hmm?
like bloody handbags around here these days, becoming a disgrace.
CRAIGG
Feb 26, 2008 at 9:33 PM
Comment #44Chris F I know you are but what am I !
carl.s.
Feb 26, 2008 at 10:08 PM
Comment #45Hey I will support the team through thick and thin. I just dont do it blindly and I make no apologies for not becoming almost orgasmic at the mere mention of KKs name.
I just become exasperated at how we are viewed throughout the rest of the country. But when you have people so delusional that no matter what obvious failings KK has, the mere mention of critisism of the messiah is looked upon like sacrilege and you are metaphorically speaking stoned to death like the heritic you are!
As I said I hope the guy proves me wrong as I do think he is a good man. I just think his boat has long since sailed.
Tom_Toon
Feb 26, 2008 at 10:11 PM
Comment #46carl.s. exactly the same as me.
ScottyT
Feb 27, 2008 at 12:17 AM
Comment #47carl sorry but who gives a fk at what the rest of the country thinks and also some of the criticism KK has been getting is totally unreasonable considering the squad he has whether you wanted him or not youve got to supprt him and hes only been here a month he shouldnt have any criticisms really apart from the inclusion of butt smith barton no enrique.
the media are pathetic tbh and youve got to get on with it they constantly speculate on everything newcastle but my advise is to just ignore it all its all bshit.
Howay Lads!
carl.s.
Feb 27, 2008 at 9:55 AM
Comment #48Hi Scotty,
your spot on. Im sorry I sound like a one man KK hater. My critisisms arnt really at him as I do actually like him and hope he does well. What I get annoyed about are a large section of our fans who are blind to any sort of failings of people like KK, AS, Steven Taylor etc….