Newcastle plan to keep Hughton

(GSM) – Newcastle United insist they hope to extend Chris Hughton’s stay at St. James Park amid speculation that the manager could leave the post at the end of the season.

The former Republic of Ireland player’s contract expires at the end of the season and negotiations over a possible extension of his deal have not reached a conclusion yet.

However, the club released a statement following the Magpies 4-0 defeat at the hands of Arsenal in which they confirm their plan to retain Hughton’s services.

The statement said: “Chris is our manager and will remain our manager, and it is our intention to re-negotiate his contract at the end of the year.”

Speaking after being told of the statement, Hughton said: “I have been at this club now for two and a half years and I have got to know everybody very well.

“I have very much enjoyed my time here and I am very, very happy here and would like to stay here for as long as possible.”

Newcastle currently stand in ninth in the Premier League table and host Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby on Sunday.