Bearing in mind last season’s relegation from the Premier League and the major upheaval off the pitch, Newcastle caretaker manager Chris Hughton has done a fantastic job to galvanise the side and lead them to the top of the Championship. Despite a long list of star players heading for the exit door at St James’ Park in the summer, the Magpies still find themselves three points clear at the summit of the table as we approach the international break. Some people thought Newcastle would struggle to cope with the competitive environment of the Championship but Hughton has ensured that hasn’t happened and, in doing so, put himself firmly in the frame to get the job on a permanent basis.
YOU MUST BE DELIGHTED WITH THE START TO THE SEASON?
Well, we’ve got quality in the side but for most of the players in the squad going into the Championship was going into the unknown. I’ve seen a lot of Championship football over the last few years so I knew how tough it would be and the players have done well given the amount of pressure that was on us.
YOU MUST ALSO BE PLEASED WITH THE CHARACTER YOUR PLAYERS HAVE SHOWN?
We have a squad here that played in the Premiership last season and we lost some players over the summer but we’ve kept the remainder of the squad and what we do know is that we have quality. We have to show that week in, week out in what is a very demanding league and up until now we’ve done okay.
YOU’VE SPENT MOST OF YOUR PLAYING AND COACHING CAREER AT SPURS, HOW ARE YOU ENJOYING LIFE IN THE NORTH EAST?
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it despite the massive disappointment that’s gone on at the club, obviously dropping out of the Premiership last season. But the people up here are very warm and accommodating and the fans are fanatical - wanting the best for their football club.
IS THEIR ANY NEWS ON EITHER THE TAKEOVER OR YOUR POSITION?
No, there seem to be different stories every day but all we can do is concentrate on winning football matches – which is the right thing to do. We need to keep ourselves at the right end of the table and that’s the only way to deal with all the other stuff.
YOU PLAYED MANY TIMES FOR THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND, DO YOU THINK THEY CAN MAKE IT TO THE WORLD CUP FINALS?
I very much hope so. They’ve put themselves in a good position although it’s going to be a tough one at the weekend against Italy. If they can get a result it then goes down to Wednesday’s game with Montenegro. But I don’t think the players could have done anymore than they have and there seems to be a wonderful spirit amongst the squad – in many ways that’s helped take them to where they are at the moment.
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