Source: PA
Bruce fears Hughton fall-out
Sunderland manager Steve Bruce fears Chris Hughton's shock sacking this week will prove a deterrent to up-and-coming bosses.
Despite Newcastle being in a healthy mid-table position and within four points of eighth-placed Sunderland, Hughton became the first Barclays Premier League manager to lose his job this season.
Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has since wasted no time in securing a replacement, albeit an unpopular one with Magpies fans, with Alan Pardew being unveiled after signing a five-and-a-half-year deal.
Hughton's dismissal, though, is one that has Bruce still shaking his head in bewilderment three days later. His concern is mainly with the impact it could have on any prospects thinking of taking up management.
"I wish Chris all the best. I've said repeatedly he is a good guy, and unfortunately there aren't many good guys like him left any more, somebody who is a proper football person," said Bruce. "Looking from the outside, it seems to be an unbelievable decision, and I'm sure I speak for the football world by saying that we are all saddened by Chris' departure. I don't think he deserved that.
"Of course, I wish Alan the best of luck, welcome to the north east, and I'm sure he'll find it a tough challenge. But decisions like those with Chris must deter a young, British or English coach. To get all your coaching qualifications you need now takes years, and when you look at the stats - especially in the lower divisions - a manager's average lifespan is 15, 16 months. If you look at what has happened to Chris, for me it will deter them."
