Hughton Hails Newcastle United Fans

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Newcastle United's assistant manager Chris Hughton has revealed that the Magpies' players were moved and impressed by the passionate backing they received from the Newcastle fans during Saturday's goalless FA Cup tie with Hull City.

The Toon Army were in raucous voice at the KC Stadium, loudly chanting the names of goalkeeper Shay Given and midfielder Danny Guthrie.

Given has been linked with several clubs as rumours of his imminent departure from St James' Park persist, and the Geordie support made it clear that they wanted him to stay.

Guthrie, meanwhile, had broken the leg of Hull's Craig Fagan with a savage approximation of a tackle when the two sides had met in the league earlier in the season. The East Yokshire crowd were baying for his blood, but the Newcastle fans backed him vocally and enthusiastically.

Hughton revealed today that the players had noticed the support, and truly appreciated it.

"They’re such a loyal and vocal set of supporters," Hughton explained to The Newcastle Chronicle.

"We’re always aware of how many are going as we have a gentleman with us who makes a point in telling us and, certainly, from the players’ point of view, they’re always grateful for the support – Saturday was no different. It makes a huge, huge difference.

"When you come to a place like Hull, where you know they’re a good side, and have their own vocal support, you’re very grateful having the thousands behind you."

Given responded to the backing of the fans by turning in a superb performance, something Hughton says is typical of such a whole-hearted player.

"We wouldn’t have expected anything different from Shay – he’s a top-class individual, and a top-class goalkeeper," added the Toon assistant.

"He’s been pulling out performances like that ever since I’ve known him."

Meanwhile, Hughton confirmed that injured French midfielder Charles N'Zogbia (pictured) should be fit to face West Ham United at the weekend.

"Charles was a blow, but we’re hoping he’s going to be OK," Hughton said.

"He’s got a dead leg, and he was very sore and stiff after the game. But that’s the nature of the injury.

"We’re optimistic he’ll be OK for next week, but he certainly won’t be doing much training."

Zack Wilson, Goal.com