Hughton backs players to be ready

Caretaker Newcastle boss Chris Hughton is backing his players to ignore the chaos off the pitch as they prepare for the new campaign. The bulk of the squad returned for pre-season training on Wednesday and were put through their paces by Hughton and Colin Calderwood. He said: "The day went well and there was no difference, in many ways, to any other pre-season. "There's a job to be done and the mood was good. I was pleased. "Whatever the situation at this club or any other club, one thing that doesn't change is that the players quite look forward to the first day. "They are professional enough not to let what's happening outside affect them."

Source: Eurosport