Hughton hopes to sign new contract
Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton says he hopes to sign a new contract with the club at some point in the near future.
Hughton guided the club back up to the Premier League after they suffered a shock relegation from England's top-flight two years ago. He says he hopes he gets rewarded for his effort but is only focused on the team and the football.
It will be very encouraging for Newcastle fans to see some stability at their football club. Hughton is the first manager the club has had for a while that has been given an extended period of time in charge. The question is now whether he is the man to take the club onto the next level.
Hughton has a high number of qualities that have allowed him to be successful at the club so far this season. It's important any contract negotiations are dealt with quickly so all parties can focus on the future.
Hughton's quality
Hughton was given the managerial job at Newcastle at a time when there were serious concerns over the future of the club. The fact he got them back into the Premier League after one season shows he knows what he is doing in the football sense.
He's also very good with the media away from the field. He knows when to open up and talk about a certain subject but he also knows when to keep his mouth shut and avoids the club a lot of negative press. There will be a lot of fans who love him for this, fans who were tired of stupid comments being constantly made by Newcastle managers.
His man management skills are as good as any other manager in the Premier League. He has turned Andy Carroll from a fringe player at the club to one of the best current English strikers playing in the Premier League.
Hughton said: "At the moment I'm just getting on with the job. Yes, my contract is up at the end of the season but my priority is just to get on and do the best job that I can and let other things take care of themselves. From my point of view where I want to be is manager of Newcastle United."
Have to keep faith
There could well be a few people at Newcastle who saw Hughton's job as getting the club back into the Premier League. Now they are back in the top-flight it could be tempting for the club to try and sign a high profile manager who will be asked to take Newcastle up to the top six.
However, there is no reason why Hughton cannot do this job. He has got the team playing good football and they do not look as though they will be close to the bottom of the table by the end of the season. Hopefully the Newcastle habit of pointing a gun at the club's feet has long gone.
He added: "But the most important thing is to get the results because I am also conscious that, as managers, we can go through bad periods. Things can change very quickly in football so all I want to do is concentrate on the job at the moment."
Betting advice
Newcastle does not look like a special football club, it looks like a steady one that is content with the position and manager of the club. Back Newcastle confidently to avoid the drop. Also back the side against teams they are expected to beat on paper because Hughton has enough skill to get the side winning well in these games.
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