Mike Ashley sacks Hughton - he appoints Hughton's youth coach as the replacement!
Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has been nothing short of being involved in a few upsets during his tenure as owner of the club. But on the 7th of July 2009, he caused yet another, by SACKING Chris Hughton.
The Irishman had guided the Magpies back to the promised land via winning the Championship. He had spoke in the press recently about how delighted he was to be guiding Newcastle in their return to the F.A Premier League. But today he finds himself taking a lonely walk OUT of St.James' Park.
He had already began to strengthen his side. He had completed the signing of French winger Hatem Ben Arfa on loan from Marseille. With numerous other clubs tracking his movements a move to The 'Toon' didn't seem on the cards. Nevertheless, he arrived on loan for a year, with the option to buy for £5million at any point. Hughton had also signed Ivorian defensive midfielder Cheik Tiote for £3.5million. The 23 year old signed from Dutch champions FC Twente and Hughton heaped praise on his new signing claiming he had VERY high hopes for him.
But Ashley's appointment again left fans scratching their heads. Craig Todd, 30, was their youth coach and had been since the age of 21. He had worked with the likes of Andy Carrol coming through. Ashley stated that because Todd was so young, he understood the players better. Believe what you want, but I think Ashley was looking for a viable reason for Chris' departure.
Todd was involved in a serious car crash at the age of 19 with his father. Todd broke both his legs whilst damaing several tendons and the ligaments in his knees. Quickly told he wouldn't play again, the Scotsman turned to coaching and earned his badges. With that achieved he looked around for a job and noticed in 2001 that Newcastle where looking for a Youth Coach. The rest the say is history.
With around £6.5million to spend and a spare £75K on wages, Todd has stated that he will look to bring in a LB, CM and a ST. He has identified a few of his targets and stated that unhappy Brazilian twin Fabio of Manchester United was a possible transfer target. With his recent transfer request, United are said to be looking for around £3.9million for their LB. The transfer request came after Fabio stated he wished to be paid the same as his brother, Rafael, who earns £12,000, whilst Fabio only makes £450.
Interest is also high in Argentine winger Jonas. Inter Milan and Manchester City have already approuched Newcastle with enquirys and bids, but they have all been rejected and informed that 'Spiderman' is not for sale.
If you are a Newcastle fan, why not tell us what you think. Email us a [email protected] or text us 'YOUR NAME' followed by 'NEWCASTLE' and then your message. Gary will read several out on Saturday's MOTD.
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