Former Newcastle United manager http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chris-c9006 Hughton revealed that he was happy to see the Magpies gatecrash into European football next season and that he is not an antagonist of his former employers.
The former English International was relieved of his duties at Newcastle by the Magpies parent company Sports Direct, after being in charge for one and a half year. He managed the Tyneside outfit for 70 matches and was replaced by http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alan-c4244 Pardew in December
2010 as the new Magpies manager.
However, his exit from the club came in acrimonious circumstances, as the fans and the supporters vehemently expressed their disquiet over the owner’s decision. He later took over the management http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Job-c18684 at Birmingham City in June 2011.
Ever since his departure, the Magpies experienced a successful period under Pardew, who steered them to Europa League competition in the coming term by finishing fifth in the league during the 2011/12 campaign.
Nevertheless, the 53-year old revealed that despite the fact his exit from Tyneside came about in an acerbic manner, he had no sullenness for Newcastle and was delighted to see them perform well in the Premier League.
While talking to reporters, he said: “Bitterness? I have never felt that about what happened.”
“Now I don't look at Newcastle and wish them any ill feeling whatsoever. I'm absolutely delighted at what Alan Pardew has done and I'm delighted Newcastle are there.”
Hughton took over the reins of Newcastle following their cataclysmic relegation from the Premier League at the end of the 2008/09 season. The Englishman, who had worked alongside some of the current Magpies players, lauded his former team for making an astounding
comeback to the top division and believed that some of the newcomers had played the leading role in establishing them in the top five.
He was particularly in awe for the French duo of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Hatem-Ben-Arfa-c15884, while at the same time acknowledged the role played by the senior member of the squad.
He remarked, “The likes of James Perch, of course - and Leon Best and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Danny-c10193 Simpson and Mike Williamson. It's fantastic to see them part of everything that is happening because we knew what good players they were.”
Hughton, whose sacking by the Newcastle owners had earlier catalysed protests from fans and condemnation from the club’s legends, also expressed his gratitude towards the fans for all their support and wished them success in the future.
He added, “For the fans who were very good to me, it's great they've had success… I am really glad they are doing well."
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