Rafa Benitez has paid tribute to Chris Hughton after Newcastle United retook Brighton

sheebo said:

Rafa has always seemed fairly humble and classy. I obviously want us to finish above Newcastle (still very doubtful) but not getting into a Southampton style rivalry. Which is a good thing. Just concentrating on those 3rd & below but most importantly... us..

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Stat Brother said:

Thinking about it, Hughton & the Albion are making Rafa's job a little easier.

It must be hard trying to motivate a team of 'stars' who feel they are only on loan to the Championship.
Esp when at halfway they are already 9 points and +27 ahead of their nearest rival, a team of shitpuffins like Reading.

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AmexRuislip said:

'a team of shitpuffins'
That's a new on me, always rely on the NSCictionary

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AmexRuislip said:

'a team of shitpuffins'
That's a new on me, always rely on the NSCictionary

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Stat Brother said:

I wish it were, but it's not my own work, and has been around NSC for a little while.
I can safely say my reaction then was the same was yours now.

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AmexRuislip said:

Rafa Benitez has paid tribute to Chris Hughton after Newcastle United retook Brighton and Hove Albion in the Championship

Brighton had beaten Blackburn Rovers 3-2 the night before to briefly lead the Championship. Hughton, the last man to guide Newcastle to promotion, spoke warmly about Benitez after the game at Ewood Park. And United manager Benitez feels Brighton's results speak for themselves under Hughton, a popular figure on Tyneside. "He's a great manager and he has a very good team," said Benitez. "They are doing really well. It's not easy to win in any competition, but (especially) the Championship. Still they are winning. That (tells) me how good he is and how good the team is." Asked about staying above Brighton, Benitez added: "We try, obviously, but Brighton are doing well.



http://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport...-newcastle-retake-championship-lead-1-8290623

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el punal said:

Two things that stand out in my memory about Rafa. One, his dignity and sorrow when he attended the Hillsborough Tragedy memorial service at Anfield a couple of years ago. Two, his class and composure when he was vilified by Chelsea's disgraceful fans when he was appointed manager at Stamford Bridge - still was in charge when they won the Europa Cup in 2013.

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LlcoolJ said:

That is quality though. "Reading - The Tinpot Shitpuffins". It has a ring to it!

"Look at those tinpot shitpuffins celebrating 7th place" etc.

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Stat Brother said:

Thinking about it, Hughton & the Albion are making Rafa's job a little easier.

It must be hard trying to motivate a team of 'stars' who feel they are only on loan to the Championship.
Esp when at halfway they are already 9 points and +27 ahead of their nearest rival, a team of shitpuffins like Reading.

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ROSM said:

Also I believe that when he left Liverpool he gave a significant part of his pay off to the jft96 fund and families

He could have walked away from Newcastle in the summer and got a job in any of Europe's top leagues. He stayed and put his reputation on the line

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