Source: Northern_Echo
Magpies’ Hughton thanks rival Bruce for support amid exit talks
CHRIS HUGHTON last night thanked derby counterpart Steve Bruce for his support after emerging from a difficult week as Newcastle United manager with his job intact. In the immediate aftermath of Wednesday night's Carling Cup exit at the hands of Arsenal, Newcastle issued a statement from the boardroom that outlined the intention to stick with Hughton. Managing director Derek Llambias was forced in to such a step after a day of strong rumour the Newcastle boss' position was under serious threat. The next eight weeks will now be crucial for Hughton, who has still not replaced his assistant, Colin Calderwood, who left to become the new manager of Hibernian ten days ago, ahead of the intention to renegotiate his contract in the New Year. Bruce is staggered to think Hughton, who guided Newcastle to the Championship title in his first season in charge, has even been in the spotlight for such reasons in the last few days. The Sunderland manager labelled him a proper football person, not an imposter, and to doubt him within two months of being back in the Premier League is ridiculous. Hughton said: I've got the utmost respect for Steve. He is one, as he did as a player, who has worked his way up and has had a very good career. He gets teams that play for him and he has teams that have a work ethic. If you look at the team he has got at the moment, he has built it and guided it and you can see Steve's characteristics in that side. He is somebody most people in the game look up to and I was humbled by what he had to say. Most people are aware it has been an interesting week to say the least. I know him, but not that well, I'm grateful and thankful for him speaking up. Regardless of the constant suggestions he could be next in line to lose his job, Hughton has just been focusing on preparing for the visit of Sunderland. We are going into a big game and that takes over, said Hughton. It is a big game and I realise what this game means to the supporters. That is where our concentration has been. The situation is no different to the week before, or the week before that. It isn't any different to what it will be next week. Around everything that has been said I can only do one thing and that is get on with the job and try to do the best job I can. Some weeks are more difficult than others, but the end product is the same from my point of view. Last weekend's victory at Upton Park ensured Newcastle head in to the meeting with Sunderland on the back of a Premier League win. Hughton, however, insists Sunderland have to be valued as the favourites because of recent form. He said: With the form they are in, they are unbeaten in seven and have only lost one game in the league this season, they are one of the form teams. They are a very strong outfit, but we are at home and we want to make the most of the advantage. Hughton also insisted the two crucial fixtures with their Wearside neighbours are not the be all and end all in Newcastle's first season back in the top-flight. I went into the season as I did last season with a remit as every manager does and mine was to keep this club in this division, he said. For as big as Sunday is, it's one game in a season. I know what it means to this club and the supporters but the project is over a season and that's the most important thing. We will go into the game absolutely looking to win it, but if that doesn't happen we have to try and get a result in our very next game. I want to win the game and stay up.