Source: Daily_Mail
Matt Lawton: Why would anyone want to work for Mike Ashley now?
Mike Ashley has so far failed to get a single decision right since taking charge at Newcastle. [LNB]But he needs to make his next manager a damn good one because the sacking of Chris Hughton succeeds only in demonstrating once more that the owner of this magnificent football club really should have stuck to flogging sports gear. [LNB] Under pressure: Mike Ashley will need to appoint a damn good manager to replace Chris Hughton[LNB]Even then, convincing both the Newcastle players and supporters that he was right to dismiss Hughton is going to be a hard sell. They know every decision he arrives at is geared towards getting the club into a stronger financial position so he can revisit the possibility of a sale. [LNB]He got lucky with Hughton after a series of disasters. Having made the mistake of sacking Sam Allardyce, Ashley fooled himself into thinking Kevin Keegan could rebuild the club for a second time but ended any hope of that by adding Dennis Wise as director of football. [LNB]Then came the ludicrous decision to turn to Joe Kinnear and finally he asked Alan Shearer to save them from relegation. When he failed, Ashley proceeded to treat another Newcastle legend with a total lack of respect. [LNB] Happier times: Hughton celebratespromotion with the fans[LNB]Down in the Championship, Ashley turned to Hughton for what would behis second stint as caretaker. And only because, according to managingdirector and former casino boss Derek Llambias, 'Mike Ashley feels itwould be unwise to appoint a team manager when the club is for sale'. [LNB]But under Hughton the team started the new season well. With his side running away with the league, Hughton won manager-of-the-month awards in August and September and by October his appointment was made permanent. [LNB] HAVE YOUR SAY... Has Ashley got it wrong by sacking Toon boss Hughton? Chris Hughton has sensationally been axed by Newcastle despite his impressive reign at St James' Park. The manager delivered promotion at the first attempt before comfortably guiding them to mid-table in the Premier League. Do you think chairman Mike Ashley has scored an own goal? TELL US WHAT YOU THINK Hughton revived an ailing team, drawing the best from his players and securing a return to the Barclays Premier League with a 102-point haul. [LNB]He had the courage to give Andy Carroll the No 9 shirt - and what a smart decision that has proved - just as he has displayed a calm, confident approach to management that seems to be getting consistently good performances out of players like Joey Barton and Kevin Nolan. He also made an excellent signing in Hatem Ben Arfa and was unlucky to lose him to a broken leg in October. [LNB]Having never held a permanent managerial position prior to last year, Hughton looked like a quick fix at St James'. But he has shown a real aptitude for the job, and earned the admiration of his players, his peers and the Newcastle fans. [LNB]He can reflect on the fact that his team were 11th in the Premier League when he was sacked, just as he can fondly remember the 5-1 defeat of Sunderland and the 6-0 thumping of Aston Villa. Not to mention the win at Arsenal and the draw with Chelsea.[LNB]Hughton has acted with dignity and deserved better. He deserved the opportunity to develop his skills after a brilliant 17 months in charge. [LNB]What he did not deserve was a boss like Ashley, and any potential replacement might want to think about that before working for the man.[LNB] Martin Jol and Alan Pardew in the frame after Newcastle sack Chris Hughton Chris Hughton betrayal: Mike Ashley the assassin leaves Newcastle fans bewildered LMA 'extremely disappointed' as axed Hughton wishes Newcastle wellShearer would consider Newcastle return despite shock over HughtonNEWCASTLE UNITED FC
