Ashley’s flying visit to meet Hughton (From The Northern Echo)

Ashley’s flying visit to meet Hughton

9:57am Friday 27th November 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(1)

MIKE ASHLEY flew in to Newcastle United’s training ground in a helicopter yesterday, with manager Chris Hughton claiming that the owner’s four-hour visit was an indication he still cares.

Ashley is under fire after numerous miscalculated moves which have infuriated the Magpies support, not least the club’s drop into the Championship.

But the club owner who recently took the club off the market after failing to sell up, met up with Hughton at Newcastle’s Darsley Park training headquarters yesterday.

Ashley also had a meeting with managing director Derek Llambias, while he was keen to make sure the players witnessed his visit and Hughton feels the squad members welcomed his presence.

“He was here to see myself and the players. He doesn’t have any particular conversations with the players, he just likes to be here to add his support,”

said Hughton last night.

“I think the players appreciate that at a time when things have gone quite well.

The players know Newcastle will always be in the news, it’s how we are as a club. But they do appreciate that he has come up to see them and he is the owner, irrespective of anything that has gone on.

“He is still interested and attending the games. He has shown his support at games and he comes to the training ground when he has the opportunity.

“His biggest communication is with Derek, but anything I hear from Derek is what I know Mike will be aware of.

“He has been up for a little bit of a progress report, but more to show his face and to meet up and chat about things.”

While Hughton revealed that talks were from a “general”

perspective, it is clear the January transfer window will have been discussed and the potential for further loan signings.

Sheffield United defender Matt Kilgallon remains on the Newcastle manager’s radar, but with the Blades quoting Celtic £4m last summer it would be difficult to strike a deal.

“The lad Kilgallon is one of a few players to have interested us,” said Hughton. “We know what his situation is and we are very keen in the window to ensure we bring in the right players that will add to the squad going into that vital part of the season.

“He’s one of a few that we’re interested in. We’ve got to make sure that come the window we bring in the right type of players.

“We’ve got a good squad – I don’t feel we need to add too much to that squad. They’ve got to be the right players.”

Newcastle face fourthplaced Swansea at St James’ Park tomorrow when they will be looking to build on a good run of form that continued with a 1-0 win at Preston on Monday night.

That victory arrived courtesy of Kevin Nolan’s sweet second half finish, his eighth of the season. The midfielder’s form is attracting Premier League admirers again, having been rated as one of the best Englishmen in his role not too long ago.

But Hughton is sure Nolan will not be going anywhere in the new year.

“I’m very confident that we can keep him and we won’t have to sell him,’’ he said.

“What we have as a group is players that have shown a great desire, commitment to get this club out of this division.

There have been enough of those players to think like that.’’

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(1)