Is Hughton the right man for the big league?

[Christmas Tree 4711]

Just about the only thing Chris Hughton has been unable to manage this season is to reunite Chas & Dave. Contractually obliged to immerse himself in the catchy work of the Cockney knees-up merchants at White Hart Lane in the early Eighties, the Newcastle manager, in one of his rare moments of candour this season, revealed with tongue only partially in cheek that he would like nothing more than to orchestrate a reunion after the pair split last year.

 

Otherwise Hughton, like his side, has enjoyed just about the perfect season. They will be presented with the Football League trophy in front of a 52,000 full house at St James' Park after Saturday's game with Ipswich, where an eighth consecutive victory will see them end the campaign unbeaten at home while reaching a century of points.

 

From Championship flat-track bullies, they will soon be cast as Premier League cannon fodder, the latest new arrivals looking to establish a foothold. Newcastle finished third after their previous promotion, but the top flight is a different beast to the one taken by storm by Kevin Keegan and Co 17 years ago. Survival, even for a club of their stature, has to be the aim. It is a realisable goal, but one which would arguably be made easier by a summer of significant change. There's a persuasive school of thought, and it seems perverse at a time when a club that has been the personification of turmoil in recent years finally seems to have found some stability, that they could benefit from further upheaval in the form of Hughton's departure.

 

That would give Mike Ashley – presuming the owner doesn't resurrect his so-far abortive efforts to sell now that the club's stock is finally on the rise – an opportunity to appoint a higher-profile new manager with ample time to prepare for the new season.

 

Mark Hughes fits that bill. Having experienced the goldfish bowl that is Manchester City, the unremitting media glare on St James' would not be much of a culture shock. Whether Hughton has the pulling power to attract the stature of player Newcastle now require is open to question.

 

He's been at home bringing in ones capable of helping to escape the Championship, but lacks standing on the European stage. It is an important factor, because after remuneration, potential new playing recruits tend to put the calibre of manager towards the top of their wish-list for future employers. Hughton has struggled in previous caretaker stints in the Premier League and perhaps it's better to leave now on his own terms, rather than be forced out with his reputation sullied should Newcastle endure an unwanted start next season.

 

That way, he leaves with his coaching career at its zenith, able to walk into the next Championship job that comes up, which is a scenario he would have jumped at less then 12 months ago. There are strong indications that should he not up sticks, and supporters are praying for a summer free of the turmoil that could ensue with another "will he, won't he sell" summer, the enigmatic Ashley, who has pumped in excess of £30m this season to bankroll promotion, will refuse to bite the bullet.

 

If he ignores the route of a higher-cost replacement and its long-term benefits, and tries to muddle through with Hughton on a budget which in Premier League terms is akin to footballing suicide, the task of ensuring survival becomes more tricky. Hughton has given up hope of a significant transfer kitty, with suggestions his summer budget could be under £15m. He said: "Talks are ongoing with the managing director and the owner, but we know they are different times these days."

 

Jimmy Bullard, Jamie O'Hara and Alan Hutton are all on the radar, purse-strings permitting, and Hughton added: "The days of big transfers – not only for Newcastle but for everybody – are a thing of the past. You have to look to improve, but you have to do it wisely." Insisting he has no qualms about going into next season with the nucleus of his Championship-winning squad, he added: "We know it's going to be tough, but we've generated good momentum and these lads deserve an opportunity."

 

There are players – Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Steven Taylor, Jose Enrique, Kevin Nolan, Joey Barton and Andy Carroll – upon whom Hughton can rely to perform at the higher level. "Having shut the pundits up once this season, we need to do it again next," Nolan, their 18-goal captain, insisted. He added: "What Chris and Mike Ashley now decide to do is up to them, but we're confident as a team that we're good enough for the Premier League."

 

For every Nolan, there are several others who fall into a rather grey area. Top flight doubts remain with Wayne Routledge, Alan Smith, Ryan Taylor, Danny Guthrie, Peter Lovenkrands, Mike Williamson, Shola Ameobi, Fabricio Coloccini and Jonas Gutierrez.

 

Supporters will point to the outstanding campaign enjoyed by many of those players, but it's one thing leading the journeymen of Barnsley or Blackpool a merry dance, it's another replicating that at Old Trafford or Stamford Bridge.

 

Only those with goldfish memories will fail to recall how inept many of these same players were when Newcastle were relegated in disarray less than a year ago. It could turn into a slog on the Tyne for Hughton in his efforts to prevent a repeat. Then he can turn his attention to that Chas & Dave reunion.

 

What the magpies need

 

* To retain the support of the fans. Newcastle averaged 43,000 this term, among the top five in the country.

 

* Mike Ashley must ensure there is no doubt over his ownership commitment.

 

* Continue their home form. It's been almost 12 months since they were last beaten at St James', and sustained form there will be a cornerstone of survival.

 

* Back the manager. Chris Hughton could have as little as £15m to spend – Ashley needs to back him with more then double that to ensure that they can compete at the highest level.

 

* A proven Premier League striker. Andy Carroll has potential but has not proven it in the top flight.

 

* Keep Joey Barton fit and out of trouble. If he stays injury-free the midfielder will be like a new signing.

[OTF 7286]

The answer to the question is maybe.

[Happy Face 29]

There are players – Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Steven Taylor, Jose Enrique, Kevin Nolan, Joey Barton and Andy Carroll – upon whom Hughton can rely to perform at the higher level.

 

For every Nolan, there are several others who fall into a rather grey area. Top flight doubts remain with Wayne Routledge, Alan Smith, Ryan Taylor, Danny Guthrie, Peter Lovenkrands, Mike Williamson, Shola Ameobi, Fabricio Coloccini and Jonas Gutierrez.

 

Supporters will point to the outstanding campaign enjoyed by many of those players, but it's one thing leading the journeymen of Barnsley or Blackpool a merry dance, it's another replicating that at Old Trafford or Stamford Bridge.

 

Is it just me or do those two groups of players seem almost entirely arbitrary?

[Happy Face 29]

There are players – Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Steven Taylor, Jose Enrique, Kevin Nolan, Joey Barton and Andy Carroll – upon whom Hughton can rely to perform at the higher level.

 

For every Nolan, there are several others who fall into a rather grey area. Top flight doubts remain with Wayne Routledge, Alan Smith, Ryan Taylor, Danny Guthrie, Peter Lovenkrands, Mike Williamson, Shola Ameobi, Fabricio Coloccini and Jonas Gutierrez.

 

Supporters will point to the outstanding campaign enjoyed by many of those players, but it's one thing leading the journeymen of Barnsley or Blackpool a merry dance, it's another replicating that at Old Trafford or Stamford Bridge.

 

Is it just me or do those two groups of players seem almost entirely arbitrary?

 

naw they are, Jonas in the grey area and danny simpson in the reliable one.

Must remember that when i'm watching the world cup this summer "Jonas what are you doing here!"

 

Ironic he should question whether Jonas could perform at old Trafford when he had his best game of last season at old trafford and garnered plaudits across the board for it.

 

I can't imagine a sports journalist going off half cocked though. They have too much integrity for that.

Edited April 21, 2010 by Happy Face

[OTF 7286]

I can't imagine a sports journalist going off half cocked though. They have too much integrity for that.

 

I'm personally shocked. My world is collapsing.

 

I'm with you on the nature of the groups, Simpson, Carroll in particular stand out. Better off just lumping the lot into the grey area category to be honest, but then that's not much of a story.

[donaldstott 0]

The good news is that I'd bet good money that FMA doesn't read the Independent and therefore is unlikely to see the article and start getting ideas...

[Guest alex]

Danny Simpson hasn't looked that impressive this season but he's ex-Man Utd. Shitty journalism.

Edited April 21, 2010 by alex

[Barney 0]

Simpson looks shit at Championship level.

 

I spotted the other day that Raylor mentioned he may have to look to move on if he doesn't get to play much next season.

[Christmas Tree 4711]

WIth regard to jonas at Man U that was our first real look at him and we didn't "know him" then. I'm sure many hoped he was going to be the next ginola / Robert.

 

I'm pretty sure that having watched him for two years if you re-watched that game now, his performance would not look as good.

 

He totally struggled in the prem and a good world cup / sale would be the best outcome.

[Guest alex]

WIth regard to jonas at Man U that was our first real look at him and we didn't "know him" then. I'm sure many hoped he was going to be the next ginola / Robert.

 

I'm pretty sure that having watched him for two years if you re-watched that game now, his performance would not look as good.

 

He totally struggled in the prem and a good world cup / sale would be the best outcome.

If he's replaced with a proper wide-man. Even then, our squad's a bit thin.

[Christmas Tree 4711]

WIth regard to jonas at Man U that was our first real look at him and we didn't "know him" then. I'm sure many hoped he was going to be the next ginola / Robert.

 

I'm pretty sure that having watched him for two years if you re-watched that game now, his performance would not look as good.

 

He totally struggled in the prem and a good world cup / sale would be the best outcome.

If he's replaced with a proper wide-man. Even then, our squad's a bit thin.

 

Agreed.

[Kevin 1]

The good thing about Hugh is that he can sweet talk the fat man for some money

[Rob W 0]

we had a succession of BIG NAMES as manager after SBR and they ewre to a man, a bloody disaster

 

Souness 45% games ended as wins

Roeder 46%

Allardyce 33%

KK 29%

Kinnear 22%

Shearer 12%

 

Lets just stick with Hughton - he may be what we need for a change..........................

[Park Life 71]

If we don't spend some cash it won't really matter who is manager.

[Noelie 103]

If we don't spend some cash it won't really matter who is manager.

 

 

There is a lot of truth in that comment, too much so.

Hughton had a short bash at it in the Premier League as caretaker and didn't do to well at it even though he had Beye, Bassong, Duff, & Martins in the squad at the time.

We do not have a Premier League side as it stands.

If money is not well spent on quality players to strengthen our obvious weaknesses, Hughton would fail to keep us up as would any other manager.

Ashley must recognize this, has undoubtably had good advice on the subject, and as a business-man he must know that in order to protect his initial investment in the club after already failed to sell it at a bargain-basement price, he must loosen the purse strings.

Hughton's success in the Premier League can only be attained by an investment in better players this summer.

[Rob W 0]

I'd rather spend any available cash on players than on paying off Hughton and then employing a BIG NAME (= BIG SALARY) manager with a whole herd of new assistants as well

[Holden McGroin 6544]

We didnt think he was the right man for the job when we appointed him this season. Proved everyone wrong though.

[peasepud 59]

There are players – Steve Harper, Danny Simpson, Steven Taylor, Jose Enrique, Kevin Nolan, Joey Barton and Andy Carroll – upon whom Hughton can rely to perform at the higher level. "Having shut the pundits up once this season, we need to do it again next," Nolan, their 18-goal captain, insisted. He added: "What Chris and Mike Ashley now decide to do is up to them, but we're confident as a team that we're good enough for the Premier League."

 

* A proven Premier League striker. Andy Carroll has potential but has not proven it in the top flight.

 

Now theres a contradiction, does nobody ever reread what theyve written?

[Dr Gloom 21864]

I'd rather spend any available cash on players than on paying off Hughton and then employing a BIG NAME (= BIG SALARY) manager with a whole herd of new assistants as well

 

exactly. whether hughton is up to it long term remains to be seen but he has earned this chance to manage in the top flight.

 

we finally have a confident team that plays with a good fighting spirit. even though the football has been laboured at times under hughton the unity in the dressing room counts for a lot - why risk that now? let's give hughton a chance to prove us wrong before we chop and change again.

 

ashley has to back him mind.

[LeazesMag 0]

If we don't spend some cash it won't really matter who is manager.

 

 

There is a lot of truth in that comment, too much so.

Hughton had a short bash at it in the Premier League as caretaker and didn't do to well at it even though he had Beye, Bassong, Duff, & Martins in the squad at the time.

We do not have a Premier League side as it stands.

If money is not well spent on quality players to strengthen our obvious weaknesses, Hughton would fail to keep us up as would any other manager.

Ashley must recognize this, has undoubtably had good advice on the subject, and as a business-man he must know that in order to protect his initial investment in the club after already failed to sell it at a bargain-basement price, he must loosen the purse strings.

Hughton's success in the Premier League can only be attained by an investment in better players this summer.

 

Agreeing with me at last..........

[Noelie 103]

If we don't spend some cash it won't really matter who is manager.

 

 

There is a lot of truth in that comment, too much so.

Hughton had a short bash at it in the Premier League as caretaker and didn't do to well at it even though he had Beye, Bassong, Duff, & Martins in the squad at the time.

We do not have a Premier League side as it stands.

If money is not well spent on quality players to strengthen our obvious weaknesses, Hughton would fail to keep us up as would any other manager.

Ashley must recognize this, has undoubtably had good advice on the subject, and as a business-man he must know that in order to protect his initial investment in the club after already failed to sell it at a bargain-basement price, he must loosen the purse strings.

Hughton's success in the Premier League can only be attained by an investment in better players this summer.

 

Agreeing with me at last..........

 

Are you aka 'Park Life'? I was agreeing with his post.

[LeazesMag 0]

If we don't spend some cash it won't really matter who is manager.

 

 

There is a lot of truth in that comment, too much so.

Hughton had a short bash at it in the Premier League as caretaker and didn't do to well at it even though he had Beye, Bassong, Duff, & Martins in the squad at the time.

We do not have a Premier League side as it stands.

If money is not well spent on quality players to strengthen our obvious weaknesses, Hughton would fail to keep us up as would any other manager.

Ashley must recognize this, has undoubtably had good advice on the subject, and as a business-man he must know that in order to protect his initial investment in the club after already failed to sell it at a bargain-basement price, he must loosen the purse strings.

Hughton's success in the Premier League can only be attained by an investment in better players this summer.

 

Agreeing with me at last..........

 

Are you aka 'Park Life'? I was agreeing with his post.

 

see all of those comments............well, Keegan and to an extent Bobby Robson was supplied with lots of money and pretty much bought everybody they wanted [by the Halls and Shepherd] despite you saying nobody in your lifetime had ever been able to buy who they wanted.

 

Last time I pointed this out to you, you argued and disappeared............

 

Want me to find the link or man up and admit you were spouting bollocks.

[LeazesMag 0]

The real question here is :

 

Are those saying Hughton deserves a chance, remembering the same sentiments ref Roeder ?

 

Or are you going to make a hard decision and decide he doesn't appear [to us but we may be wrong looking from the outside so to speak] to have enough about him ?

 

Me ? I don't know. I said Roeder deserved a chance, and he did, but he didn't do as well as hoped. I think Hughton deserves a chance but that isn't to say I would give it to him because just now I don't know. Football is difficult, he has done very very well.

[Noelie 103]

If we don't spend some cash it won't really matter who is manager.

 

 

There is a lot of truth in that comment, too much so.

Hughton had a short bash at it in the Premier League as caretaker and didn't do to well at it even though he had Beye, Bassong, Duff, & Martins in the squad at the time.

We do not have a Premier League side as it stands.

If money is not well spent on quality players to strengthen our obvious weaknesses, Hughton would fail to keep us up as would any other manager.

Ashley must recognize this, has undoubtably had good advice on the subject, and as a business-man he must know that in order to protect his initial investment in the club after already failed to sell it at a bargain-basement price, he must loosen the purse strings.

Hughton's success in the Premier League can only be attained by an investment in better players this summer.

 

Agreeing with me at last..........

 

Are you aka 'Park Life'? I was agreeing with his post.

 

see all of those comments............well, Keegan and to an extent Bobby Robson was supplied with lots of money and pretty much bought everybody they wanted [by the Halls and Shepherd] despite you saying nobody in your lifetime had ever been able to buy who they wanted.

 

Last time I pointed this out to you, you argued and disappeared............

 

Want me to find the link or man up and admit you were spouting bollocks.

 

You know LeazesMag, you are undoubtably the stupidest person who posts on this Forum, who incessantly not only stretches the truth but tells out and out lies about people and what you say, they said, when in reality they haven't. I can't believe you are so stupid. As I've said many times before, you need help, you should seek help, there are professional people out there who can help you. You have a sickness for which I'm sure there is a medical term, and maybe there's a cure.

 

I thought you would have known by now that trying to better old Noelie is a futile quest, you don't have the intelligence to pass 'GO'

And again it's going to very interesting to see what stupid drivel you come up with in anwer to this post.

 

Give it your best shot, but address what I say in this topic. Don't be following the same path of digging up the past, things that were never said, and dealing in terminological inexactitudes even though you're an expert.

[LeazesMag 0]

If we don't spend some cash it won't really matter who is manager.

 

 

There is a lot of truth in that comment, too much so.

Hughton had a short bash at it in the Premier League as caretaker and didn't do to well at it even though he had Beye, Bassong, Duff, & Martins in the squad at the time.

We do not have a Premier League side as it stands.

If money is not well spent on quality players to strengthen our obvious weaknesses, Hughton would fail to keep us up as would any other manager.

Ashley must recognize this, has undoubtably had good advice on the subject, and as a business-man he must know that in order to protect his initial investment in the club after already failed to sell it at a bargain-basement price, he must loosen the purse strings.

Hughton's success in the Premier League can only be attained by an investment in better players this summer.

 

Agreeing with me at last..........

 

Are you aka 'Park Life'? I was agreeing with his post.

 

see all of those comments............well, Keegan and to an extent Bobby Robson was supplied with lots of money and pretty much bought everybody they wanted [by the Halls and Shepherd] despite you saying nobody in your lifetime had ever been able to buy who they wanted.

 

Last time I pointed this out to you, you argued and disappeared............

 

Want me to find the link or man up and admit you were spouting bollocks.

 

You know LeazesMag, you are undoubtably the stupidest person who posts on this Forum, who incessantly not only stretches the truth but tells out and out lies about people and what you say, they said, when in reality they haven't. I can't believe you are so stupid. As I've said many times before, you need help, you should seek help, there are professional people out there who can help you. You have a sickness for which I'm sure there is a medical term, and maybe there's a cure.

 

I thought you would have known by now that trying to better old Noelie is a futile quest, you don't have the intelligence to pass 'GO'

And again it's going to very interesting to see what stupid drivel you come up with in anwer to this post.

 

 

 

http://www.toontastic.net/board/index.php?...mp;#entry716473

 

for good measure I have bumped the thread where you ran off with your tail between your legs. You can reply now if you like, a few months too late mind.........

 

What a shame a matter of weeks after Ashley bought the club I was probably the first person saying to everybody else who were still celebrating "anybody but Fred" and saying that he would fuck things up, including you probably, but thats because you live in Canada and don't have any fuckin idea of what is really happening at the club, just like in the link I have provided where you laughingly claim that nobody in your time has ever bought the players they want - presumably KK didn't want to buy all the players he bought and was also pressurised into buying a player who cost a world record transfer fee.

 

You're a joke lad. Go bury yourself in the snow or something.

Edited April 21, 2010 by LeazesMag