By Tyne-Talk
February 26 2008

Former Republic of Ireland International Chris Hughton has been appointed as Kevin Keegan's new number 2. For the coach who was Martin Jol's assistant at Tottenham Hotspur, it is his first role since leaving White Hart Lane. The 49 year-old had his first training session today with Keegan, Terry McDermott and Steve Round as he prepares to help Newcastle remain in the Premier League this season.

Hughton has spent 4 months away from the game as is well aware of the job he has to do, and his first job is to sort out the back 4.

Talking to the Chronicle, he said:

"Our first priority this season is to achieve safety and then we can build for next season during the summer.

The standard of the Premier League now is so high.

The teams in the bottom half of the table are also strong and everybody is fighting for survival.

Of course, with Kevin coming in everybody is expecting additions will come in to strengthen what we already have, and then we will go from there."

Hughton replaces former number 2 Nigel Pearson who left the club recently and is now managing on the South Coast. He said of his role at the club:

"All it took was a phone call and within seconds I had said yes.

When you have been in the game for as long as I have, the opportunity to come to a club of this stature is always going to be too big an opportunity to turn down.

When the phone call came it was very welcome, and I jumped at the chance.

My role is to support Kevin as part of a coaching group we feel can enhance the qualities of the team.

I have known Kevin for some time and I have been in, and enjoyed, his company on many occasions.

As somebody from outside who is always looking in on Newcastle, you always look in awe at what a fantastic club they are.

The city and the supporters the club have are incredible and I am very excited to be part of the whole thing.

I have been up here for two days now and the place is magnificent.

I could not have been made to feel more welcome at the training ground, the hotel and at the stadium, and it just makes me want to get on with the job in hand."

Hughton Keegan's New Number 2

Discussion started by TyneTalk (IP Logged), 26/02/2008 15:58

TyneTalk
26/02/2008 15:58

Hughton Keegan's New Number 2

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jimmy_jay_uk
27/02/2008 13:43

Hopefullly this will be a good thing...


..got to be better then Lawrenson those years back

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