Chris Hughton Sacked by Newcastle as Beardsley Takes Over

The Newcastle manager, Chris Hughton has been sacked by the club as they seek a manager with "more experience". The 51-year-old has managed Newcastle for about a year and a half, and has been in charge for 70 games - losing only 14 of them. However, Newcastle owner, Mike Ashley and the people in charge of Newcastle feel it is time for a change of manager at St James' Park, with Martin O'Neil the favourite to take over.

A club statement read:

"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.

"Regrettably the board now feels that an individual with more managerial experience is needed to take the club forward.

"The task of appointing a new manager now begins. An announcement will be made shortly regarding transitional arrangements pending the appointment of a successor."

Hughton is massively respected by the fans and players at Newcastle and among the Premier League in general. After Newcastle's relegation in 2009, Hughton became an instrumental figure in guiding Newcastle back to the Premier League as winners of the Championship. From the Newcastle players' reactions on Twitter, it was clear to register the general feeling of the sacking. Jonas Gutierrez wrote

 "Thank you Chris Hughton for believing in us when nobody believed in us."

While right back Danny Simpson bluntly wrote:

"Shocked"

Hughton becomes the first manager to be sacked this season, but one that many think didn't deserve to be. However, Peter Beardsley, the former Newcastle United captain and England international, who has been Reserve Team Manager at Newcastle since the start of the season, will temporarily take over, being supported by former Villa midfielder Steve Stone.