Chris Hughton had one of those days at the office on Saturday, when nothing seemed do go right.
Chris Hughton – bad day at the office
With new news of a potential takeover of Newcastle by Barry Moat this morning, Chris has his feet still firmly on the ground, and is concentrating, as always, on the job at hand.
Chris talked today about Newcastle:
“I am delighted to still be top. When you’ve had a moment to settle down after, what was for me, a frustrating afternoon.”
“It was not the result we were after, but what you have to do, as soon as you can, is assess where we are. And the bigger package is the main thing.”
“We have come into a league we didn’t know much about and at this stage, being three points clear at the top of the table, speaks volumes for the approach of this bunch of lads.”
“That is the most important thing. We can go into the international break now, get a few players back and give them a few days rest as well because the games will come thick and fast again after that.”
We have to believe that Saturday’s game was one of those when you do everything but score.
After all we hit the woodwork 3 times, had a stone-cold penalty appeal turned down, and their stand-in goalkeeper was in inspired form, especially in that second half.
That will be true if we start scoring those goals again, in our next couple of games at Nottingham Forest and Scunthorpe, both away, because these are the games we should be capable of winning if we are real promotion candidates.
The main thing is that we must keep in touch with the leaders before Christmas, and then we can further strengthen the squad with loan signings and real signings at that time, to make that final push towards a successful promotion season.
If we can do that, then the summer promises to be an exciting one for Newcastle fans everywhere.
Comments welcome.
13 comments so far
G
Oct 6, 2009 at 10:20 AM
Comment #1Sometimes you just have games where the ball will not go in the net. This was one of them, we have to accept it. Keep up the good work CH.
Whumpie
Oct 6, 2009 at 10:56 AM
Comment #2I’m in two minds over the CH/AS thing. I’m a huge fan of CH and what he’s achieved, and to have a manager who presents a decent, honest and intelligent face of the club as well as getting points in the bag is just wonderful.
But…
I just have a nagging feeling that that last part can’t be maintained, especially if/when we get promoted. I think he’s a great coach and clearly a good CCC manager… but that’s just not enough in the PL. Would a figurehead like Shearer, combined with all CH’s qualities, provide a more sustainable management team?
sirjasontoon
Oct 6, 2009 at 10:58 AM
Comment #3I was a bit disappointed and I get the feeling as the season rolls on we will start slipping down the table…we need a creative winger capable of beating the last man and whipping in good crosses to the big lads up front.
sirjasontoon
Oct 6, 2009 at 11:01 AM
Comment #4Houghton Knows more than Shearer about management I would Rather have CH on his own than Shearer.
Shearer needs to go and learn his trade and come back when he is ready..too much of a gamble right now.
Stuart79
Oct 6, 2009 at 11:04 AM
Comment #5sirjasontoon // Oct 6, 2009 at 11:01 AM
Houghton Knows more than Shearer about management I would Rather have CH on his own than Shearer.
Shearer needs to go and learn his trade and come back when he is ready..too much of a gamble right now.
When we were in the PL everyone was saying he should go to the Championship and learn his trade.
Well were in the Championship so he can learn his trade with us as far as I’m concerned.
jordi
Oct 6, 2009 at 11:08 AM
Comment #6I’m quite happy with the loan signings that we have brought in, they have enhanced the team. I’m not so happy that at times we play very poorly for no obvious reason and can’t seem to even get the basics right.
We were unlucky in the last game so no blame to CH there but I swear to Buddha if he mentions “this bunch of lads” again in an interview I’ll cut my ears off!
Kevin Nichol
Oct 6, 2009 at 11:15 AM
Comment #7Shearer is the man to take us forward; but i would have him accompanied by CH as his no.2; who has done a wonderful job. I say this for the following reasons;
1. Alan shearer is a draw to footballers world wide. If Moat takes over and we are given funds to spend; who are the likes of Jermaine Beckford, Chopra, Fryatt or other potential foreign players more likely to want to come and play for? Englands finest ever no.9 or CH?
2. AS has the big game mentality. He has played at the highest level. He has captained his country. He has learned from the best. Did Pep Guardiloa cut his teeth anywhere before barca gave him the job???
3. AS understands the type of football newcastle fans want. He knows how we like our attacking football. I am certain he will provide us with wingers and pace. The best newcastle team in the last 10years was filled with pace.
4. Until AS is given the job; he will always prove to be a weight around the nbeck off whoever is holding the reigns!
5. Finally CH is a coach. He is doing a marvelous job; but at times i feel we need a manager who will be cut throat in his decision making. The likes of Butt playing in the middle, guthrie playing on the wing are poor decisions; in my opinion only to keep players happy. If it means playing a youngster i.e. lua lua on the wing over guthrie then so be it. We must have natural width and have players playing in their natural positions. I feel AS will make the big decisions when they are needed.
I must stress again that CH should be made head coach/assistant manager working alongside big AL
komfort
Oct 6, 2009 at 11:16 AM
Comment #8stuart , the large chap wont be selling anytime soon therfore shearer wont be appointed…
punk skunk...
Oct 6, 2009 at 11:27 AM
Comment #9Shearer shoulda went to Darlo, to learn a few chops & licks maaaaan!..
punk skunk...
Oct 6, 2009 at 11:28 AM
Comment #10Shearer will bring in Dowie!..
punk skunk...
Oct 6, 2009 at 11:29 AM
Comment #11At least he has a degree in mechanical engineering tho’!..
…Sweet!..
🙂
bowburnmag
Oct 6, 2009 at 1:34 PM
Comment #12I misinterpreted the headline! I thought this was going to say Joey Barton’s injury wasn’t as bad as first feared……
DJM TOON
Oct 6, 2009 at 1:37 PM
Comment #13not a fan of dowie at all