Fearless Hughton...

[The Fish 11021]

CHRIS Hughton says there won't be a fear factor in his dressing room when Newcastle United kick off their Premier League campaign.

And instead, Hughton insists he – and his players – will relish their return to the top flight, determined to make sure their hard work in English football's second tier wasn't for nothing.

 

While the first objective of Hughton's Championship-winning team will be survival, the 51-year-old doesn't see why they can't make a bigger impression in the division.

 

"It'll be a proud moment – it's a big challenge and it'll be an exciting time," Hughton told the Gazette.

 

"We've worked so hard to get there, and you don't do that and then not look forward to it.

 

"It's what everyone wanted, and what we have to do is look forward to it more than fear it."

 

Follow Gazette Newcastle United writer Miles Starforth on Twitter here

 

Hughton doesn't believe there's much difference between the bulk of teams in the second half of the division.

 

And he doesn't see why a mid-table finish isn't possible if he can strengthen his squad in several key areas between now and August 14, when next season kicks off.

 

However, breaking into the upper echelons, dominated by cash-rich Premier League "mainstays", will prove a longer-term project, according to Hughton.

 

"What we know is that the Premiership's a tough league," added Hughton.

 

"What you have in the Premiership at the moment are the clubs regarded as mainstays, who are confident they'll be there every year.

 

"Then you've got a group of teams that fluctuate between fourth from bottom and 12th place. That's probably where it's changed over the years."

 

Is this Chris putting on a brave face or is it naivete to think that without strengthening in key (and expensive) areas we're in serious trouble?

[Park Life 71]

Talking out his arse. We didn't even manage to beat West Wombles Albion last season.

[khay 10]

Talking out his arse. We didn't even manage to beat West Wombles Albion last season.

 

Did no lose either.

 

37 points from draws and 3 points from a win sorted.

[Happy Face 29]

Talking out his arse. We didn't even manage to beat West Wombles Albion last season.

 

Did no lose either.

 

We did.

 

[Holden McGroin 6853]

Talking out his arse. We didn't even manage to beat West Wombles Albion last season.

 

Did no lose either.

 

We did.

 

 

Not in the league.

 

[Gejon 2]

Talking out his arse. We didn't even manage to beat West Wombles Albion last season.

 

We did, by 11 points.