Source: Daily_Mail
Gareth Bale will stay at Tottenham, says Chris Hughton
Former Tottenham coach Chris Hughton is confident PFA Player of the Year award winner Gareth Bale will stay at the club beyond the summer. [LNB]Bale's performances in the Barclays Premier League and Champions League this season have caught the attention of Europe's biggest clubs and Spurs are desperate to hold on to their star man.[LNB] Star man: Bale (right) has turned heads with a number of impressive displays for Tottenham this campaign [LNB]Hughton was an assistant to former Spurs boss Martin Jol when the club signed the winger from Southampton in 2007, and states that the player's main concern will be focusing on making sure Tottenham back into the Champions League. [LNB]He said: 'I don't think the lad would want to leave. He has come on really well at Tottenham. What Spurs have shown is that they are a club that has made great progress over the last few years and are pushing for Champions League football again next season.[LNB] 'He seems very, very happy playing there and I think it works both ways. It's important the club keep hold of their best players if they continue to make progress, but I feel the player wants to be there as well.'[LNB] Hughton left the club along with Jol in October 2007 following a poor start to the season but identified the potential in the Welsh international in the few months he worked with him. But he says the player has taken time to show his worth. [LNB] Magic moment: The Tottenham man was awarded the PFA Player of the Year gong on Sunday [LNB]He continued: 'He hasn't developed very quickly. What has hindered his progress is that he has missed a lot of football in the four years he has spent at the club. So I think without them, what everyone is seeing in abundance this season might have come a little bit earlier. [LNB]'He has grown into his role at Tottenham and perhaps the chunk of football that he has missed over the last few seasons has made his desire to want to do well even more so. [LNB]Top man: Chris Hughton poses with the Barclays Premier League[LNB]'Even in his early days at the club we could see the potential, what he did have was power and pace but not thelevels he has shown this season. But what he always has had is a super left foot, and with his crossing ability it's a real commodity in the modern game.' [LNB]He also allayed fears in Spurs fans that they could have another Michael Carrick situation on their hands. [LNB]After a fine 2005/06 campaign, the midfielder left White Hart Lane for Manchester United in an ?18.6million move after the north London side failed to claim Champions League football. [LNB]He added: 'Carrick done really well for us and had a good season but as soon as Manchester United came calling he was always going to go whether we made the Champions League or not. [LNB]'But the situation with Bale is different, he is younger and has plenty of years in front of him. He has got back to playing his best football and at this moment in time he would be better off at Spurs and I just get the feeling that is where he wants to be. '[LNB] Hughton was sacked as Newcastle boss earlier this season with the club in mid-table but despite his managerial set-back he claims he is ready to take up another position, even it means dropping back into the Championship. [LNB]He said: 'I want to get back into management as quick as possible. I have used the time out as well as I can, watching lots of games in and outside the Premier League. The aim is to get back in at a higher level as I can but I'm open and realistic to offers.' [LNB] Chris Hughton was speaking on behalf of Barclays Ticket Office, which is giving fans the chance to win a pair of free Barclays Premier League tickets every 90 minutes throughout the 2010-11 Barclays Premier League season. Request a receipt from any Barclays ATM to enter, or visit www.barclaysticketoffice.com[LNB] Bale demands Champions League return after winning player of the year Gareth the great! Bale set to go down as a Spurs legend, insists RedknappBale and Wilshere feature in PFA Premier League Team of the YearBrilliant Bale wins PFA player of the year as Wilshere scoops young player award Explore more:People: Chris Hughton, Martin Jol, Gareth Bale, Michael Carrick Places: Newcastle, London, Europe
