Hughton was always proud of the spirit of the dressing room, saying: "We have some experienced players who keep the rest on their toes.
"I think it is a very healthy situation. If we get a bad result and players don't perform, they get it sorted in the dressing room".
But the sacking of Hughton did not go down well with the established players (Joey Barton, Kevin Nolan, Alan Smith and Andy Carroll), and Ashley's motives were questioned ... sometimes in the press.
Carroll was sold, and it became a waiting game to see how hard Alan Pardew would fight to keep the rest of them.
To Pardew's credit, he did say his priority was to "tie up long term deals for Joey Barton, Kevin Nolan and Jose Enrique" ... but it fell on deaf ears with Ashley.
We believe Ashley (who has NEVER had a rapport with the Newcastle fans) wants the clique broken.
Newcastle United’s board of directors and chairman Derek Llambias are reportedly keen to adhere to their policy of reducing both their wage bill and the squad’s average age, but some ex-Newcastle stars have hit back saying they are trying to run a Premiership club on the cheap.
Llambias: "The club is on the way to being in far better health financially."
Offloading the spine of the side and bringing in foreign faces has many fans wondering what the future holds.
Offer To Toon Fans Continues
Due to the amazing response from NU-Mad readers ... we have decided to continue our offer for you to buy "Magpies In Europe" for the amazing price of £5.99. The offer will end July 1st.
A 'THANK YOU' TO FOOTYMAD READERS ...
'MAGPIES IN EUROPE'
FOR £5.99 (inc post)
2010/11 has been NewcastleUtd-Mad's greatest season for page 'hits', and as a thank you to all readers we are giving you the chance (FOR TWO WEEKS ONLY) to purchase "MAGPIES IN EUROPE" for £5.99 (and that includes the postage).
*Normal price is £9.99
OFFER ENDS JULY 1st 2011
Although "Magpies In Europe" will not be launched OFFICIALLY until next season ... if you want a copy it is available NOW from this website ... and ONLY from this website!
FOREWORD BY FAIRS CUP HERO JOHN McNAMEE
Sports Journalist Richie Everson: "At last a book that the fabulous Newcastle United fans can relate to. It's informative, all the facts and figures are there, plus the 120 match reports from all the fixtures ... but it is the articles by the supporters that amazed me.
"I went to many of those games, and this is the only book I can honestly say 'hits the nail on the head'!
"Yes we know the results and the scorers, but some of the facts in this book had me so wrapped up in it I couldn't put it down.
"Was Benny Arentoft cup-tied when he played in the final? Big Wyn and his battle with John McGrath; McFaul scoring a penalty when the crowd had gone home; the trouble in Palermo; it is all amazing stuff.
"I would honestly give this book 10 out of 10."
MAGPIES IN EUROPE
From Antwerp to Zurich
Please include your address in a letter and send a cheque (or postal order) for £5.99 payable to Mr K Fletcher, to:
'MAGPIES IN EUROPE', K Fletcher, 5 Dunelm, Sacriston, Co Durham DH7 6NU.
Or contact: Kevnumad@fsmail.net