Archive for 'Premier League'
Newcastle United Upset with the Sacking of Hughton
Posted on07. Jan, 2011 by admin.
Despite leading the club towards the Championship title last season and bringing them to 11th at the Premier League table, Hughton was relieved of his duties on Monday, December 6, at St. James and St. James Park.
In a statement that was issued by the club, it was mentioned that they are looking for someone who has “more managerial experience”.
Kevin Nolan, Newcastle’s captain, admitted that the players are still in a state of shock after Hughton was sacked. In an interview, he said that they were all upset that Hughton was leaving the team, primarily since he was able to help most of the players with their careers first as their coach and later on, as their manager. He said that they would never forget their promotion from the Championship in the last season and that they would be continuing to do what he has told them.
Nolan also praised how Hughton conducted himself, revealing how he wished the players well throughout the remainder of the campaign.
Nolan further added, “Chris was gutted about what had happened. You could see that, but it said so much about him that, even though he was obviously disappointed to be going, he was still telling me and Joey that we had to make sure we had a good season.
There was such dignity about the way he left, which is how he conducted himself while he was the manager.”
Sol Campbell, veteran defender, has also expressed his dismay regarding the sacking. In an interview, he said, “Chris is such a lovely guy – top man. This will hit the players hard”.
He said, “The players admired him, and liked him, and won’t be happy now he’s gone like this”.
Peter Beardsley, the reserve team coach would be taking charge of the team until they find a replacement, with Martin Jol reportedly one of the strongest contenders after leaving Ajax on Monday.
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Jol Eyed for Newcastle Vacancy
Posted on06. Dec, 2010 by admin.
After quitting his role as the Ajax coach, Martin Jol has emerged as the frontrunner to take the position of Newcastle United manager that Chris Hughton vacated on Monday.
Ajax confirmed that Jol has indeed left the club by mutual agreement after being in charge for just seven months.
Jol said, “With pain in my heart I say goodbye to this wonderful club. We started something last summer that I would have finished. But I have come to realize that the expectations after last season were too high. We cannot meet such expectations. The amount of criticism that the club has had to endure daily has led to unrest in the club and among players.”
Alan Pardew, former West Ham boss, was initially the bookies’ favorite and betting has been suspended on the day that money poured in for him.
Meanwhile, Alan Shearer, the former captain of Newcastle has temporarily taken the position despite being snubbed by Ashley who was in favor of Hughton after an eight-game spell in charge which resulted in relegation back in May 2009.
When asked about Hughton’s departure, Shearer said, “It’s not good, not good news. Despite what happened, I loved it and if something was to arise again I would seriously look at it.”
In a statement that was issued by the LMA or the League Managers’ Association, Hughton said that he was proud of all of his achievements at Newcastle and that the termination of his contract was in the hands of the LMA.
Hughton further defended his Newcastle record saying, “We have built on last season’s momentum following promotion and have produced some excellent results to see us sitting midway in the table. I am immensely proud of my achievements with Newcastle and I enjoyed a fantastic relationship with the players, my staff and the supporters during my time as manager. I now wish them and the club all the very best for the future.”
Richard Bevan, LMA chief executive, said, “The LMA is extremely disappointed that Newcastle have parted company with Chris given the success the club has experienced since his appointment. Throughout his time at Newcastle Chris has conducted himself with tremendous integrity and dignity, the team’s current position of 11th in the Premier League demonstrating the stabilizing effect Chris has had.”