Jol in line to replace Hughton
Newcastle defender Sol Campbell, League Managers’ Association (LMA) chief executive Richard Bevan, Hughton’s former assistant Colin Calderwood and Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp were among those to criticise the decision to axe the hugely popular former Republic of Ireland full-back.
The Magpies announced they had terminated Hughton’s contract in a terse statement yesterday, saying they needed “someone with more experience’’.
Reserve-team coach Peter Beardsley has been put in charge of the team on a temporary basis but the announcement that Jol — who almost joined Fulham last summer — has left Ajax, has seen him emerge as the bookies’ favourite for the job.
Hughton’s departure was met with confusion by veteran defender Campbell, who said: “This will hit the players hard. The players admired him and liked him and won’t be happy now he’s gone like this. It makes no sense.’’
Bevan, echoed Campbell’s views, stating: “The LMA is extremely disappointed that Newcastle have parted company with Chris given the success the club has experienced since his appointment.
“Not only did Chris secure promotion back to the Barclays Premier League, but achieved two club records in the process; 102 points to secure promotion and the longest sequence of unbeaten league matches (17).
“Throughout his time at Newcastle, Chris has conducted himself with tremendous integrity and dignity, the team’s current position of 11th demonstrating the stabilising effect Chris has had in his role as manager during his period at Newcastle.”
Calderwood — who had worked as Hughton’s assistant until taking charge at Hibernian in October, branded the dismissal “stupid” and accused Newcastle owner Mike Ashley of wasting a chance to bring stability to St James’ Park by sacking Hughton.
“What we had was a terrific team spirit and there was a unique chance for a football club to balance the books to a certain degree and move forward with a bit of stability and I think they can’t be forgiven for losing that chance,” Calderwood said.
The Scot said he would be surprised if Ashley did not have a replacement already lined up.
“There’s probably someone in place already,” Calderwood said.
“I think they would have had some sort of discussions or some thought process about a replacement before they went and did this, otherwise it becomes even move stupid than it is at the minute.”
Tottenham boss Redknapp was stunned by the decision to axe Hughton.
“I can’t believe it,” Redknapp said.
“You couldn’t get a better fella than Chris Hughton, and what a fantastic job he’s done at Newcastle to get them promoted as he did. It’s ridiculous really how things work out in this game.’’
Newcastle have achieved some notable wins under the guidance of Hughton, who took the club back into the top flight at the first attempt last season.
However the manner of Sunday’s limp 3-1 defeat to West Brom on Sunday, after which Hughton berated the players for an hour, looked to have been the final straw however.
Newcastle said in a statement: “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 football.
“The club wishes him well for the future. Regrettably the board now feels that an individual with more managerial experience is needed to take the club forward.’’
In a statement, Hughton said he was proud of his achievements.
He said: “We have built on last season’s momentum following promotion back up to the Barclays Premier League and have produced some excellent results to see us sitting midway in the table at this stage of the season.
“I am immensely proud of my achievements with Newcastle and I enjoyed a fantastic relationship with the players, my staff and the supporters during my time as manager.
“I now wish them and the club all the very best for the future. The termination of my contract is now in the hands of the LMA and I will therefore be making no further comment at this stage.”
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