Hughton: Magpies can bounce back

10 February 2010 11:18
Chris Hughton is confident of getting a response from his players after Newcastle's title challenge was derailed by Derby. The Magpies lost their club-record 15-game unbeaten league run and top spot in the Championship following a comprehensive 3-0 reverse at Pride Park. Hughton admitted the manner of the defeat had hurt his players but he backed them to bounce back and achieve their ambition of promotion this season. "It`s a very hurt changing room. The manner of the defeat has hurt them and I'm quite sure there'll be a desire to turn this around," said the Magpies manager. "It's certainly a big blow. We've done something that we haven't done all season and that's concede three goals. If you do that then there's a good chance you'll lose football matches. Although, on the balance of play I didn't see it as a 3-0 deficit." West Brom's home win over Scunthorpe saw them replace the Magpies at the summit. And on losing top spot, Hughton added: "Of course it's a blow because it's something we've had all season but that doesn't deter from the fact that the objective this season is to get promotion, whichever way we do that."

Source: PA