Chris ‘no’ to making a pitch

FOLLOWING a week in which his future as manager of Newcastle United was the subject of much public conjecture, Chris Hughton refused to use the undoubted leverage gained by his emphatic Tyne-Wear derby win to demand a contract extension from owner Mike Ashley.

The former Republic of Ireland international has been the definition of dignity since taking control of the black-and-white reins on a temporary basis following the club’s relegation in 2009.

Still, though, the United hierarchy appear reticent to extend his current deal beyond the end of the season – a club statement this week said negotiations would begin at the end of the calendar year.