Newcastle's Chris Hughton delighted after club secures Championship title

20 April 2010 08:02
Newcastle were already assured promotion but goals from striker Andy Carroll and winger Wayne Routledge ensured they would return to the top flight with silverware. [LNB]For Plymouth Argyle the result confirmed their relegation to League One, with the rival fans left to ponder wildly differing prospects next term. [LNB] Related ArticlesPlymouth Argyle 0 Newcastle United 2Newcastle's travel plans hit by vocanic ashNewcastle face long drive to seal titleMoore: Newcastle's new goal should be modestNewcastle tighten purse stringsPeter Lovenkrands is Newcastle's real heroHughton, whose side are now unbeaten in 15 matches - a run that includes seven wins in a row, said: "I think we got to a stage where we couldn't shout from the rooftops but we were comfortable that we were going to go up. [LNB]"We got to that stage and probably for a little while it's been about winning the title and I couldn't be any prouder of this group of players. [LNB]"They have gone from day one and we have probably had one blip during the season, they came back from that strongly and went on a very good run. We have been the team to beat all season. [LNB]"We have a magnificent support that have made every stadium that we have gone to a big occasion, including tonight."[LNB]A travelling support of 2,431 made the 820-mile round trip to cheer their team to the title at Home Park. [LNB]For Argyle coach Paul Mariner the task is to follow Hughton's lead and lead his side to promotion at the first attempt. [LNB]His side have enjoyed six seasons in the second tier but must prepare for life in League One next term. [LNB]Reflecting on the club's position, Mariner added: "We also have a fantastic fan base and we owe it to them to do our best to bounce back up to this division - and that's what we will be aiming to do. [LNB]"Obviously I am so disappointed but I still have to say that the players tried to get the ball down, tried to pass and play the right way - even under the pressure they were under tonight, knowing that they had to win. [LNB]"That speaks volumes to me, and re-affirms what they are about. I asked for a response after the Watford defeat and they gave me that. We had chances to score tonight and our finishing has to improve and that's what we need to do." [LNB]

Source: Telegraph