Source: Northern_Echo
Barton backs Hughton to return to management
JOEY BARTON does not know if Newcastle United's players will ever know the real reasons for Chris Hughton's dismissal, but he is certain his former boss will return to frontline management soon.[LNB] Barton was outstanding in ensuring Alan Pardew's reign at St James' Park ended with a victory over Liverpool on Saturday, when he scored the crucial second before dedicating the triumph to his former boss.[LNB] The former Manchester City man, who has never been shy to air his views and beliefs, made those thoughts to managing director Derek Llambias known last week.[LNB] And now, while focused on helping Pardew succeed, Barton still has enormous sympathy for the way Hughton was treated even if the players could do little to prevent the axe falling on his tenure.[LNB] He said: Ultimately running the club doesn't come down to us but it's important for us to say how we feel and for all our opinions to be heard, and we move on from that.[LNB] I don't say anything here that I wouldn't say to anyone's face, but do you ever know what the truth is, did we get the truth Only time will tell.[LNB] We could have been fed whatever they wanted us to know. We don't know the reasons behind Chris leaving. We were told it was to push the club on to the next level and a lot of us questioned Alan's appointment.[LNB] He added: It was very disappointing.[LNB] Chris lost his job harshly in a lot of people's opinions but he was so dignified, telling us to keep pushing on for everyone at the club. That sums him up.[LNB] He had every right to be angry, but he remained a professional right to the end so to speak. It's only a matter of time before he's appointed in another managerial role and he'll get the respect he deserves.[LNB] We're just gutted it wasn't at this football club.[LNB] While the players may have questioned the decision to bring in Pardew and hand him a long term contract at a time when Hughton was never rewarded for significantly delivering promotion, Barton does say Pardew has the backing he needs.[LNB] He said: We all sat down with Alan and told him what we said none of us would say anything behind his back that we wouldn't say to his face.[LNB] We're open and honest in the dressing room. We've got that.[LNB] We said you know we're disappointed about Chris going, because he was held in such affection because he's a good footballing guy and everyone knows, but we said as long as you're open and honest with us we'll have no problems'. We'll take this club forward, which we're all keen to do.[LNB] If there is one thing Pardew's appointment has done is strengthened the chances of money being made available for new players during the January transfer window.[LNB] Nothing is certain, but he has already admitted he will be trying to convince owner Mike Ashley to increase the transfer budget in the hope of improving his squad.[LNB] But he looks certain to be left thinking about selling Steven Taylor. Taylor is out of contract next summer and remains on the transfer list and he is believed to have turned down another offer from the club.[LNB]
