The former Newcastle boss was grateful for the reaction of Newcastle fans when he was sacked in 2010.
Brighton manager Chris Hughton
Chris Hughton takes his Brighton and Hove Albion side to Newcastle United in the Championship this weekend in a massive clash.
Both teams look like they will be in the promotion race this season, with Brighton second in the table and Newcastle seventh after just four games of the campaign.
Brighton manager Chris Hughton on the pitch before the match
Brighton take their unbeaten record to Newcastle, in a game very special for manager Hughton.
He was sacked as Newcastle manager despite leading them back to the Premier League and doing well in the top-flight in December 2010.
Newcastle owner Mike Ashley in the stands
It was an unpopular decision with the Newcastle fans and the new Brighton boss explained to Sky Sports this week, as reported by the Chronicle, that the fans at Newcastle are the only thing that got him through the difficult time:
“The reception I got from Newcastle United supporters afterwards was something that made any bad feeling that I might have had (disappear). It was taken away from the fans’ reaction to me.
“That helps, but also, particularly at Newcastle when I did lose my job when the club were in a good position in the Premier League, it really helps. You can always look at yourself and know you’ve done the best job you can. You have worked as hard as you can.”
Brighton manager Chris Hughton
Despite clearly still having a soft spot for the Newcastle fans the Brighton boss will not be looking to do the club’s hierarchy any favours on his trip to Tyneside this weekend.
He will be going for all three points to once again show what a mistake it was letting him go six years ago.
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