Chris Hughton has revealed his sacking by Newcastle came as a
complete surprise, but insists he feels no bitterness towards club
or owner Mike Ashley.
Hughton was dismissed on December 6, despite having attracted
widespread praise from outside the club for guiding the Magpies to
a strong start in their first season back in the Barclays Premier
League.
In an interview with Sky Sports News, Hughton revealed he was
sacked in a meeting after training, with no prior indication that
anything was amiss.
"I got a phonecall in the morning from the managing director
(Derek Llambias)," Hughton said.
"He wanted myself and (goalkeeping coach) Paul Barron to meet
him at the stadium after training and of course I was told the news
then."
Asked if it was a surprise, Hughton added: "It was, yes. And the
fact that Paul Barron was with me as well made it even more of a
surprise. If the meeting was just myself I might have thought
something was going to happen.
"There's lots of emotion. Obviously it's not a particularly nice
thing to happen to anybody, particularly at a time when it is
unexpected, but that's part of the game, and a part of the game you
have to get on with and look forward.
"The reasons why they chose to terminate my contract are their
reasons. I've been asked on numerous occasions my views on why, but
the reality is I can't say too much.
"The answers to those questions can only be answered by the
chairman, the managing director and the owner."
Hughton revealed he was not told much himself.
"It was a very quick conversation, but the club wanted to go in
a different direction and of course they are the owners and
managing director of the club, and it's their prerogative, their
choice on how they want to run things," he said.
The decision to sack Hughton was widely condemned in football,
both in Newcastle and much further afield. But Hughton is remaining
philosophical.
"There were lots of opinions, certainly for the few days
afterwards, and that goes back to what we spoke about earlier -
most people were in disbelief at what had happened, but these are
decisions that are made in football.
"It was over my head, the decisions are made by my bosses and in
the end there isn't much you can do about that except look
forward."
And Hughton insists he is not bitter and still thinks fondly of
Newcastle.
"I don't think you can afford to be that way," he said. "It's a
wonderful club, and I look forward to going back there and seeing
games in the future.
"I had fantastic time there over nigh on three years and I
enjoyed living in the area. I don't think you can afford to be
bitter. These decisions are made and whether they are right or not,
they are made above your head so in the end there isn't too much
you can do about it.
"There is no point dwelling on it too long, so I look forward.
I've had a career in the game and it's a career I want to
continue."