Butt calls for swift end to Magpies chaos

Experienced midfielder Nicky Butt has become the latest Newcastle player to plead for a resolution to the chaos at the club. The 34-year-old former Manchester United and England star admits he and his team-mates simply do not know what the future holds as owner Mike Ashley waits for prospective buyers to push through a deal. On a day when the Magpies privately denied a report that Joe Kinnear is to take over once again, Butt told the Journal: "I don't know what to say about the managerial situation. "The sooner it is resolved, the better - but we have been saying that since mid-January and we are still here, so we will see. "It's difficult for some players because they don't know where their future lies. I think that's a difficult one. But for pre-season, it's just a case of keeping everyone fit and injury-free, and [caretaker boss] Chris Hughton is doing a good job of that. "The season is going to be a tough one. It's a very difficult league we are in now. Things won't be as easy as maybe some people think they will be in the Championship. It's going to be a massive challenge for us, but hopefully it's one that we are going to be able to match."