There’s an interesting situation potentially developing at Newcastle United. Chris Hughton has bizarrely paid the price for beating Arsenal at the Emirates, thrashing Villa at St James’ Park and humiliating local rivals Sunderland 5-1, by losing his job today. There have been rumblings of discontent from upstairs for a while at St James’ – the move appears premeditated and, given Newcastle sit 11th in the table, overly harsh. What can Hughton’s mandate have been at the start of the season? UEFA Cup spot? Surely not. Top ten? Perhaps, but it would have been ambitious and he was hardly failing, with half the season still to play.
Hughton did a fantastic job to secure promotion at the first time of asking. And at times this season, Newcastle have looked terrific. Pace on the flanks, creativity and bite in midfield and one of the most promising and talented forwards in the country in Andy Carroll. Granted they have been inconsistent, but who hasn’t this year? If Hughton was given time to make St James’ the fortress it has been in the past, I’d have fancied them to re-establish themselves as one of the Premiership’s big clubs. Shame on Mike Ashley, yet again. Sol Campbell, loathe him though I do, took the unusual step of criticising the owner’s decision and he is quite right.
Of course, it could turn out to be a masterstroke and I certainly wouldn’t bet against the bookies new favourite, Martin Jol, getting the job. As a Spurs fan, I still have a massive soft spot for Jol. He had a few shortcomings as a manger – a certain over cautiousness and tactical naivety at times – but he is a great man and laid the foundations for Spurs’ rise to the Champions League. It is well known that he is desperate to come back to the Premiership and, after Fulham’s failed attempt to install him as manager, his departure from Ajax today must be more than a coincidence.
If Jol were to take charge at Newcastle, I would certainly look out for their results. After three years at University there, I already have a certain interest in the club. What will be interesting though is Hughton’s next move. For 3 years, he was Jol’s assistant at Spurs and it was known they got on extremely well. What odds for a sensational return to St James’ as assistant manager? Unlikely, but Jol is certain to ask Hughton for advice and if he feels he has been treated badly, it may put the Dutchman off.
As a Spurs’ legend, Hughton would be welcomed back to White Hart Lane in a coaching capacity I’m sure but he should look to continue as a manager. Having proven himself at Toon, I doubt there will be a shortage of takers. Ashley may live to regret another big decision.
Living with Granny 