Chris Hughton enhanced his affection among Newcastle United fans.
Speaking to The Sunday Times, Chris Hughton described Newcastle United fans as a “very special group”.
The Brighton manager spent a year as Newcastle’s boss on a full-time basis until 2010 and won them promotion back to the Premier League.
However, the 59-year-old was sacked by owner Mike Ashley within three months of the Magpies’ return to the top flight and replaced with Alan Pardew.
Ashley’s decision infuriated Newcastle fans, who protested outside St James’s Park as a way in which to thank Hughton for his contribution and vent their frustration at the owner in the process.
The United chief admitted earlier this season that he had made a mistake in sacking Hughton, an apology that the former Republic of Ireland defender accepted during his interview with The Sunday Times.
“I’ve heard Mike Ashley’s comments an it’s nice when someone says something they don’t have to say. You have to take this in the spirit it was meant.
“We say this about most supporters, but Newcastle’s are a very special group.
“The large majority are local to the area and when you look at a club that hasn’t won trophies in recent times and still get 52,000 through the turnstiles it shows what kind of people they are.”
And fans of the Tyneside club have taken another moment to praise their former manager for his kind words on Twitter.
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