Source: PA
Hughton deserves plaudits - Harper
Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper has praised manager Chris Hughton for dragging the club back from the brink of turmoil.
The Magpies were in disarray in the wake of relegation from the Barclays Premier League during the summer of last year when Hughton was asked to take over on a caretaker basis for the third time.
However, a little more than a year since he was handed the job on a permanent basis, the 51-year-old has a successful promotion campaign under his belt and last Sunday saw his side cement a solid start to life back in the top flight with a rousing 5-1 derby victory over arch rivals Sunderland.
That famous win came against the backdrop of an ongoing debate over his contractual situation, and while Harper did not wander into that territory, he insisted Hughton's contribution to a concerted fightback cannot be under-estimated.
The 35-year-old told the Journal: "This club hasn't always been stable. As recently as 15 months ago, we were surrounded by turmoil and uncertainty.
"From last August, when Chris was appointed as manager, we have had a fantastic, stable period. Chris has worked hard and he has galvanised the place. He has done a brilliant job and he is starting to get the plaudits he deserves."
