Chris Hughton reveals shock at Newcastle sacking but claims he bears no grudge towards Mike Ashley

24 December 2010 14:56
Impossible job: Chris Hughton was sacked despite Newcastle's solid start to the season[LNB]Chris Hughton has revealed his sacking by Newcastle came as a complete surprise, but insists he feels no bitterness towards club or owner Mike Ashley.[LNB]Hughton was dismissed on December 6 despite having attracted widespread praise from outside the club for guiding the Magpies to a strong start in their first season back in the Barclays Premier League.[LNB]Speaking today Hughton revealed he was sacked in a meeting after training, with no prior indication that anything was amiss.[LNB]'I got a phonecall in the morning from the managing director (Derek Llambias),' Hughton said. 'He wanted myself and (goalkeeping coach) Paul Barron to meet him at the stadium after training and of course I was told the news then.'[LNB]Asked if it was a surprise, Hughton added: 'It was, yes. And the fact that Paul Barron was with me as well made it even more of a surprise. If the meeting was just myself I might have thought something was going to happen.[LNB]'There's lots of emotion. Obviously it's not a particularly nice thing to happen to anybody, particularly at a time when it is unexpected, but that's part of the game, and a part of the game you have to get on with and look forward.[LNB]'The reasons why they chose to terminate my contract are their reasons. I've been asked on numerous occasions my views on why, but the reality is I can't say too much.[LNB]'The answers to those questions can only be answered by the chairman, the managing director and the owner.'[LNB]In the interview with Sky Sports News, Hughton also revealed he was not told much himself.[LNB] Only last April: Newcastle celebrate winning the Championship under Hughton[LNB]'It was a very quick conversation, but the club wanted to go in adifferent direction and of course they are the owners and managingdirector of the club, and it's their prerogative, their choice on howthey want to run things.[LNB]The decision to sack Hughton was widely condemned in football, bothin Newcastle and much further afield. But Hughton is remainingphilosophical.[LNB]'There were lots of opinions, certainly for the few days afterwards,and that goes back to what we spoke about earlier - most people were indisbelief at what had happened, but these are decisions that are madein football.[LNB]'It was over my head, the decisions are made by my bosses and in theend there isn't much you can do about that except look forward.'[LNB] Scattergun: Mike Ashley has got through six managers in his brief tenure at Newcastle[LNB]And Hughton insists he is not bitter and still thinks fondly of Newcastle.[LNB]'I don't think you can afford to be that way,' he said. 'It's awonderful club, and I look forward to going back there and seeing gamesin the future.[LNB]'I had fantastic time there over nigh on three years and I enjoyedliving in the area. I don't think you can afford to be bitter. Thesedecisions are made and whether they are right or not, they are madeabove your head so in the end there isn't too much you can do about it.[LNB]'There is no point dwelling on it too long, so I look forward. I'vehad a career in the game and it's a career I want to continue.'[LNB] Patrick Collins: Hughton still a Toon hero, not Batman and Robin upstairsCarroll stays! Newcastle must keep £20m Tottenham target, vows PardewKenny Dalglish: Blackburn owners must match big talk with hard cashEXCLUSIVE: Qatari investors size up Toon takeover as Ashley ponders saleJoey Barton reveals Newcastle players told Alan Pardew: 'We back Chris Hughton... but we'll still play for you'NEWCASTLE UNITED FC

Source: Daily_Mail