Ex-Newcastle United boss Chris Hughton believes his former club ‘deserve success under Rafael Benitez’.
Hughton, now manager of Premier League rivals Brighton, was at the Newcastle boss between 2008 and 2010, and the former Ireland international says he still wants the best for his former club and has hailed the influence of Spaniard Rafael Benitez.
“They are a big club with wonderful fans who turn up to the tune of 50,000 every home game,” Hughton said speaking in the Chronicle (via Sports Mole).
“They deserve success and they are in safe hands under Rafa. United will be OK. We’re a much smaller club and the expectation levels among our supporters is much lower.
“United have a lot of good players, a sound defence, Jonjo Shelvey, who inevitably looks to play the ball forward at the earliest opportunity, and Matt Ritchie who is a great provider. They also have significant back up, a deeper squad than us. I gave Jacob Murphy his first-team debut when I was manager of Norwich and he has genuine potential.”
“I’m a better manager because of my time there. Kevin Keegan appointed me first-team coach on February of 2008 and I grew to love the place. We had a terrific run to the Championship title and Geordies never let me forget beating Sunderland 5-1 whenever I meet them.”
Hughton’s Brighton saw off Newcastle 1-0 at the Amex Stadium thanks to a Tomer Hemed goal just over a fortnight ago, however still remain five places below the Magpies in the league as they sit in 14th place after seven games.
