Source: Northern_Echo
Hughton seeks signings to gain promotion
CHRIS HUGHTON is targeting new recruits who can help secure an immediate return to the top flight rather than building a squad for life back in the Premier League.[LNB] Achieving the short-term goal of promotion is the manager's only concern.[LNB] He is refusing to look further than ensuring Newcastle occupy one of the Championship's top two positions on May 2.[LNB] Hughton has admitted he retains an interest in defenders Gary Caldwell and Sol Campbell.[LNB] He also expects to make a decision in the next couple of days on whether to offer free agent Fabrice Pancrate a contract.[LNB] If the former Paris Saint Germain winger is anything to go by Hughton is eyeing players who can bolster the number of bodies in his squad rather than those with a proven Premier League pedigree.[LNB] Managers whose teams are in the Championship promotion places during the January transfer window face a dilemma.[LNB] Hughton's intention to recruit players to see out the current campaign is in contrast to the likes of Alex McLeish, Paul Jewell and Steve Coppell, who in a similar position bought players they believed had the potential to thrive at the highest level.[LNB] We are a third through the season, so it is difficult to be think about the Premier League, said Hughton.[LNB] I know it will continue to be very tough. Our one objective is to get through this campaign and gain promotion. If we are fortunate enough to get promoted I think there are issues which can be dealt with at that time.[LNB] Hughton denied that this would restrict him to targeting free agents and players available on loan deals.[LNB] I have been told it's for me to identify the players I want.[LNB] I have no fears of bringing somebody in on loan or on permanent deal. If I feel it's right I will put it to the board and hope to get their backing.[LNB] In the meantime, Hughton believes that striker Marlon Harewood can still be a hit with the St James' Park supporters, despite the on-loan striker being booed during his lacklustre display against Doncaster Rovers.[LNB] Marlon got a good reception when he came off against Peterborough and that was a result of his hard work.[LNB] The Newcastle fans want to see nice football and their team winning football matches.[LNB] But, what they always want to see is players that are giving 100 per cent and putting themselves about.[LNB] And Marlon put in a workman- like performance for the team in that game and I think the fans appreciated that.[LNB] If he can start adding a few goals to those sort of performances then Marlon will be a hit here.[LNB] Newcastle have agreed to extend goalkeeper Fraser Forster's loan at Norwich City until the end of the season.[LNB] Canaries manager Paul Lambert said: Fraser having eight clean sheets in 12 games is a really terrific return.[LNB] Newcastle have got really high hopes for him, if he keeps progressing he could be a really top goalkeeper.[LNB]
