Newcastle (9/2 to be relegated) have done their best to quell speculation over the future of their manager Chris Hughton by issuing a statement saying that they will be renegotiating his contract.
Hughton’s current deal at St James’ Park runs out at the end of the season and as yet there is no conclusion to any negotiations, which has put the rumour-mill into overdrive about his immediate future and the fact that he could be on his way beforehand.
Despite suffering a 4-0 defeat at home to Arsenal (2/1 – outright betting) in the Carling Cup, Newcastle released a statement backing the manager and insist that the club plans to retain Hughton’s services.
The statement said: “Chris is our manager and will remain our manager, and it is our intention to re-negotiate his contract at the end of the year.”
For his part, Hughton has also insisted that he intends to stay at the club but has admitted that ongoing speculation is becoming a bit of a distraction.
“It’s difficult not to [notice the speculation] but I can’t do anything about that apart from the best job possible,” said Hughton. “I had a remit last season to get into the Premier League and this season it is to keep us in the division. So far, we’ve had our ups and downs but done OK.
“I can’t affect anything that is said but I think it is unfair. As far as I am concerned I’m a very strong character and have to work around these situations.
“I have a job to do and a group of players that have been wonderful for me. We have a focus and nothing will detract from that.
“I’ve been at this club for two and a half years and have thoroughly enjoyed it and I would like to stay here as long as possible.”
Newcastle have enjoyed a mixed season so far but Saturday’s come-from-behind win at West Ham saw the club climb up to ninth in the table, above Aston Villa on 11 points due to a better goal difference.
Next up for the Magpies (11/10 90 minutes betting) is the derby clash at home to Sunderland (23/10 to win, 23/10 the draw) in Sunday’s early kick-off and Hughton is expected to recall the big guns after fielding his fringe players against the Gunners on Wednesday night.
Sunderland are just one point above Newcastle in the table but have yet to win on the road in the Premier League this season, although they have only lost once with three draws from four games.
Newcastle have hardly made St James’ Park a fortress on their return to the top-flight with just one win – albeit a 6-0 hammering of Aston Villa, having lost to Blackpool and Stoke.
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