Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll or Matt Ritchie and Dwight Gayle?
Former Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton says the difference between his Championship winning squad in 2010 and Rafael Benitez’s current vintage is that his Spanish counterpart enjoys greater depth, The Chronicle reports.
Hughton ascended to the manager’s role upon The Magpies relegation in 2009, with many observers believing the array of underperforming egos on huge contracts, coupled with the losing mentality within the squad, would make it difficult for Newcastle to plan a return to the Premier League.
However, the former Tottenham caretaker inspired a dramatic shift in fortunes, leading the North East oufit back to the top flight at the first time of asking with a remarkable 102 points.
This season, Benitez’s Newcastle look set to run that tally close after picking up 40 points from just 18 games, although they have already lost as many games by December as Hughton’s side suffered in the entirety of the 2009/10 season.
But the current Brighton boss believes his esteemed successor has been boosted by considerable strength in depth, with the likes of Mo Diame, Aleksandar Mitrovic (below) and Chancel Mbemba all struggling for starts.
“The difference is I had a very settled team [in 2009/10],” Hughton said in quotes reported by The Chronicle.
“When I started that season we probably had, with West Brom, the best team. It was just trying to manage that team.
“We were very consistent in the team that we played, didn’t have too many injuries, but we didn’t have the depth Rafa has got now.
“They have got two absolute quality players for each position. Only time will tell how strong a team they are.”
Hughton’s tight knit squad, inspired by the goals and link play of Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan, swept all before them in an almost faultless campaign, meaning Benitez has a tough act to follow regardless of his team’s enviable strength.
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