Source: Northern_Echo
Newcastle United sack Chris Hughton
NEWCASTLE United have sacked Chris Hughton. The manager has been relieved of his position following the 3-1 away loss to West Brom yesterday - a defeat that left the club in the bottom half of the Premiership.[LNB] [LNB] Despite that, Hughton remained a fans' favourite after winning promotion back to the football elite at the first time of asking last season.[LNB] Hughton has been at loggerheads with club owner Mike Ashleigh over a new contract - a row which has been resolved in brutal fashion.[LNB] Hughton arrived at Newcastle in February 2008 following a 20-year association with Tottenham.[LNB] He was appointed as coach to Kevin Keegan by director of football Dennis Wise, and then served as caretaker manager when Keegan left and was replaced by Joe Kinnear.[LNB] When Kinnear fell ill the following February, Hughton again stepped in, before assisting Alan Shearer and Iain Dowie as Newcastle were relegated.[LNB] He was placed in caretaker charge in the summer of 2009, with owner Mike Ashley not willing to appoint a permanent boss while he looked to sell the club.[LNB] Hughton started so well, though, that the club offered him a permanent deal in October.[LNB] He then guided United to the Championship title, with the prize wrapped up with two games to spare.[LNB] On their return to the top flight, Newcastle have won five of their 16 games so far, with wins including the Sunderland result and a 6-0 triumph over Aston Villa.[LNB] Recent away results have been disappointing, though, with a 5-1 defeat at Bolton followed by yesterday's loss to Albion.[LNB] Hughton kept his players locked in the dressing room for more than an hour following the defeat, but when he eventually emerged to face the media, he gave no indications of what was to come today.[LNB] He said at the time: "After most games, there tends to be an inquest into the game and today (Sunday) we didn't do well enough to win a football match.[LNB] "Some of it is about getting answers, some of it is about venting your anger.[LNB] "But these are the normal things that will go on after a game, particularly when the result has been as disappointing as today.[LNB] "Our season has very much been highs and lows. We've picked up some disappointing results and we've had some tremendous results."[LNB]
