There’s only one… Chris Hughton?

By Roddy Graham | 24th February 2010

There's only one... Chris Hughton? | read this item

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What seemed the most unlikely chant to hear at St James’ Park back at the start of the season came true on Saturday when a large majority of the Toon Army cried out “there’s only one Chris Hughton” during the 3-0 victory over Preston.

Previous Geordie legends to be used in this song are Kevin Keegan, Bobby Robson and, of course, Alan Shearer. It was Newcastle’s record goal scorer who the fans were crying out for during the summer of 2009 to take them back to the Premier League after the relegation, under Shearer’s management, which took place in May of the same year. According to most fans of the Toon Army, myself included, he was the only man who could turn around a bunch of washed up has-beens and overpriced prima donnas and make them the force they once were: in Europe and challenging for the title.

But fast forward nine months and there is another name on the lips of the Geordies. That name is Chris Hughton – and he couldn’t really have done any better. Unbeaten at home all season, only 4 defeats out of 32 in the league, and a defense which has conceded less goals than Manchester United. He has even managed to get players like Fabricio Coloccini, Jonas Gutierrez, and Shola Ameobi looking like they can play football!

With the team 5 points clear at the top of the Championship it looks a lot like the Toon will be in the Premiership next season, and I, like most fans, cannot wait until we get back to the top division in English football. Although we have been winning this season, we all would rather be doing so in the Premier League. And Chris Hughton deserves a lot of credit if he does get us back there.

A debate has now started as to whether Newcastle should get rid of Hughton if we get promoted and replace him with a more experienced manager. If Newcastle have learned anything in the last 10 years it would be that big named, experienced managers are not always the best option; just look at how well a job Kenny Dalglish, Ruud Gullit, and Graeme Souness did!

Chris Hughton should be given the chance to manage in the Premiership and I for one can’t wait for the first game of next season if we go up. To see St James’ packed to the rafters and the team playing for each other will be a great sight. Who knows, the next chant could even be “there’s only one Mike Ashley!”