Magpies part ways with Hughton

(GSM) – Newcastle United have relieved Chris Hughton of his managerial duties with immediate effect.

The 51-year-old, who had twice assisted the club in the role of caretaker manager before taking up the managerial role, had been tipped to be the next Premier League manager to be sacked.

Hughton had guided Newcastle back into the Premier League in May after their relegation in the 2009-10 campaign.

But the Magpies, who are currently 11th in the top flight, have had a dip in their form with heavy defeats to West Bromwich Albion and Bolton Wanderers.

A statement released on the club’s official Website, www.nufc.co.uk, read: “Newcastle United Football Club have today parted company with manager Chris Hughton. Goalkeeping coach Paul Barron also leaves the club today.

”The board would like to place on record their thanks to Chris for his considerable efforts during the club’s transition from Championship to Premier League football.

”Chris has shown exceptional character and commitment since being appointed manager in October 2009. The club wishes him well for the future.”

Earlier during the day, odds on the former Newcastle boss being the next Premier League manager to leave his post had been slashed to 1/2 with Sky Bet.

William Hill had gone further and suspended betting after Hughton’s odds to leave next were slashed from 16/1.

The Magpies, who had picked up just two points from their last five games, were abysmal in their 3-1 defeat at West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.

Hughton kept his players in the Hawthorns dressing-room for an hour after the game and then said: “We weren’t good enough in enough departments and hence that is why we have been in there (the dressing room) so long.

“Some of it is about getting answers, some of it about venting your anger but these are the normal things that will go on after a game.”