Hughton seeking winning end to ‘interesting’ week

NEWCASTLE boss Chris Hughton will attempt to bring an “interesting” week to a rousing conclusion by masterminding a derby triumph.

The 51-year-old former Republic of Ireland international found himself at the centre of speculation that his time at St James’ Park could be drawing to a close, with several bookmakers suspending betting on his future just days ahead of tomorrow’s eagerly-anticipated clash with arch-rivals Sunderland.

Newcastle responded by insisting they intend to re-negotiate his contract, which expires in the summer, by the end of this calendar year, and it is a measure of the mutual respect between the Magpies’ boss and his Black Cats counterpart that Steve Bruce reacted to the saga with utter disdain.