Source: Northern_Echo
Top boss Hughton remains only a stand-in
HE will be confirmed as the Championship Manager of the Month for August tomorrow, but Chris Hughton has admitted he still does not know if he will be a manager at all at the start of next week.
Despite leading Newcastle to the top of the table following an unbeaten start to the season, Hughtons role as interim boss has not changed.
He has received no assurances about his future, even though Mike Ashleys attempts to sell the club to Tyneside businessman Barry Moat appear irretrievably deadlocked, and continues to lead the clubs promotion push without any sense of security about his long-term position.
Its the same situation in September as it was in August, said Hughton, who hopes to make at least one loan signing ahead of Wednesdays trip to Blackpool.
From that aspect, theres not a lot thats changed.
Were still in the position where theyre trying to sell the club, and there could be an announcement at any stage.
Thats still the situation. Im still managing this group of lads until told different and thats what Ill continue to do.
Tomorrow marks the first anniversary of Hughtons first spell in temporary charge of Newcastle, a fourgame reign that started with a dispiriting 2-1 home defeat to Hull.
The former Tottenham coach found himself back in charge after Joe Kinnear suffered a heart attack at West Brom in February, and while Alan Shearer oversaw the final eight games of last season, Hughton was back in the hotseat once pre-season training began in July.
He has witnessed a range of highs and lows, and faced obstacles that would have tested even the most experienced of bosses.
Its been some year, hasnt it, he said. If you look at all the emotions, the ups and downs, good and bad, its certainly been a big experience from my point of view.
Theres been a lot of good, but of course theres been bad moments as well. Some of the defeats and the end of last season were difficult, but I certainly feel as though Im better for the experience of that year.
This will be the longest period Ive been in charge of this group of lads and, as with everything, the more you do something, the more comfortable you become at it.
