Hughton set to get a Geordie reception he'll never forget
If ever a bloke deserved another crack at Premier League management then it has to be Chris Hughton.
That's why there was plenty of good wishes coming the way of Hughton as he was presented as Norwich City boss today.
He arrived at Newcastle with one intention and that was to coach the Magpies under Kevin Keegan, simply grateful to get back into football in 2008.
But he was soon thrown the reins when Keegan walked away and was a major part of the set-up under Joe Kinnear.
However, he really played his part when the club were relegated and without a leader in the summer of 2009 and communications at Newcastle United shut down all together.
With some players jumping ship that summer, he quickly healed the dressing room and made Newcastle "United" once again.
Hughton deserves the credit he gets for leading the club back to the top flight at the first attempt but as ever at Newcastle controversy was around the corner and he was fired despite leading his side into a comfortable position.
After moving on to Birmingham City and enduring a tough season but still leading the Blues into the play-offs after an exhausting schedule with Europa League action thrown in, Hughton again dealt with a club in crisis and came out with respect.
Hughton is one of the few real gentlemen left in the game and will always have the respect of the Geordie fans.
To be fair compared to the madness of Newcastle and Birmingham, Norwich may well seem like a cakewalk.
And after Paul Lambert laid solid foundations last season in the Premier League the former Toon boss the work of Hughton should only benefit the Canaries.
Hughton has spoken several times before about his love for the Toon Army but his return to St James' Park with Norwich next season promises to be special as fans get a chance to show their appreciation in true Geordie style.
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Lee Ryder - Proudly born and bred on Tyneside, the Chronicle's chief sports writer has followed the fortunes of the club over the last three decades as a Toon fan and football writer.
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