Boss Chris Hughton sacked by Newcastle
breaking news
Newcastle United have sacked Chris Hughton from his position as manager.
The announcement came a day after Newcastle lost 3-1 at West Brom, a result which left them 11th in the Premier League table.
Hughton, 51, guided Newcastle back into the top flight last season after their relegation in the 2008-09 campaign.
However, the club said on their official website they are seeking an individual with more managerial experience to take them forward.
"The board would like to place on record their thanks to Chris for his considerable efforts during the club's transition from Championship to Premier League club," said Newcastle in a statement.
"Chris has shown exceptional character and commitment since being appointed manager in October 2009. The club wishes him well in the future.
"The task of appointing a new manager now begins. An announcement will be made shortly regarding transitional arrangements pending the appointment of a successor."
Speculation has been growing for weeks regarding Hughton's future, although the club stated in October they would be looking to extend his contract in the new year.
The defeat at the Hawthorns, after which Hughton kept his players in the dressing room for an hour, was the Magpies' seventh of a season in a campaign in which they have won only two games at home.
However, these were a 5-1 victory over local rivals Sunderland in October and a 6-0 triumph against Aston Villa back in August.
They have registered wins at Everton and Arsenal this season under Hughton, but have picked up only two points from a possible 15 since the victory at the Emirates on 7 November.
Those results have led to Hughton becoming the first Premier League manager to be sacked this season.
Hughton, who has been working without an assistant manager since Colin Calderwood joined Hibernian in October, is followed out of St James' Park by goalkeeping coach Paul Barron.
Former Tottenham player and assistant manager Hughton arrived at Newcastle from White Hart Lane in February 2008 as coach to then Magpies boss Kevin Keegan.
He served as caretaker manager when Keegan left in September 2008, before reverting to assistant boss when Joe Kinnear was appointed manager on a temporary basis.
When Kinnear fell ill the following February, Hughton again stepped in, before assisting Iain Dowie and Alan Shearer as Newcastle were relegated.
Hughton was once again placed in caretaker charge in the summer of 2009, as owner Mike Ashley sought to sell the club, but the team started the Championship season so well he was given the role on a permanent basis in October 2009.
He went on to guide Newcastle to the Championship title with two games to spare.
« Last Edit: Dec 06, 2010 04:24:05 pm by xSkyline »
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