Chris Hughton: “I all honestly didn’t know what to expect when I came back for pre-season.
“There was so much happening that summer, the constant speculation about the club being sold. There was so much talk none of us knew what was happening, players, staff, nobody.
“It was only as we went through pre-season that we found something to focus on. We started to have an idea of what we would have in terms of players for the start of the season.
“We still weren’t sure, but we started to believe we’d have enough good players to be do well in this division. I think the day the transfer window shut was one of the most significant moments, if not the most significant. I breathed a huge sigh of relief.
"It wasn’t just the knowledge that no more players would be leaving, it was the knowledge that all the speculation would stop.
“It doesn’t matter how hard you try to ignore it, when you are constantly seeing things saying this player is going and so and so is interested in this one, it’s difficult. As soon as the window closed, all that was finished and we could get on with focusing on what we needed to do.
“I was still caretaker but I didn’t find it difficult. I knew I was under contract so even if a manager came in, I’d be here. I was enjoying the role, we were doing well. I had a focus.
“There was enough training, preparation for games, picking the right team and the games themselves to keep me distracted. That all took over, I didn’t have time to dwell on anything else. It wasn’t difficult for me, even if that surprises people, it wasn’t.
“There were always other things on my mind. The uncertainty was always there, but other things took it over, I think we were all grateful for that. We were able to block it out because it wasn’t something we could control.
“All we focused on were the things we could control, training, winning games, the normal things. It was from that that we got this fantastic team spirit. Once the players had that focus, everything else that went on around us – it just made this group stronger.
“They knew that they were going to be the team that was there to be shot down. They knew they were the scalp this season and they knew people were waiting for them to slip up. There was enormous pressure and expectation on them, but they gained strength and unity.”
MEET UP WITH THE
NEWCASTLE UTD-MAD EDITOR
If you live near Bournemouth, Farnborough, Gwent, or Walsall - why not pop along and meet our Newcastle United Mad editor "Fletch" - currently on tour playing bass with Geordie rockers Tygers Of Pan Tang.
He would love to see any Toon fans, and he will be playing with the band at:
8 May 2010 20:00
Champions Bournemouth
29 May 2010 13:00
Classic Rock Festival @ Farnborough FC Farnborough, Hampshire
29 May 2010 22:00
The Patriot Inn Crumlin, Gwent, Wales
30 May 2010 20:00
Tackeroo Club Cannock
GEORDIE BOYS ROCK GERMAN FESTIVAL!
6 bands from the USA; others from Canada, Poland, Germany and Scandinavia; but Geordie boys TYGERS OF PAN TANG stole the show in the "Keep It True XIII Festival" in Germany.
Gig Reviews:
Keep It True Festival, Germany, April 2010
Dremufuestias.de: 'Frankly I was somewhat skeptical that TYGERS OF PAN TANG would be really good. But with the first notes to wipe the TYGERS any concerns from the table. Forget the rather average gig a few years ago in Wacken! Contribute to the positive surprise two facts: first, the songs are hard as glass and thundered fresh from the PA, turns out to second, the new vocalist Jacopo Meiller as madness singer who sings the songs incomprehensible sovereign. The type of course is acting on stage when he was on board since the beginning sounds, while powerful and lively! And then the playlist: "Euthanasia", "Raised on Rock," "Take It ',' Suzie Smiled", "Hot Blooded", "Slave to Freedom", "Never Satisfied", "Rock and Roll Man", "Hellbound "," Wild Catz, "" Gangland, "" Do not Touch Me There "... sensational and the best band of the whole festival! Alertness level: f***ing 150%!' Read the original review (German)
Defenders Of The Faith: 'I was not expecting much of the show Tygers of Pan Tang, which I appreciate, but according to general, are not stupid scene. Well we take our money, because elders will simply the best concert of the festival in my opinion. What a feeling, what atmosphere, with people dancing, which are partying around the pit. And then a good set-list - "Wild Catz" :o) - along with the intensity and pleasure felt by the audience gives back to the music! The very classy gentlemen!' Read the original review (French)
Photo Galleries: Lucabernasconi.com / Metal-Integral.com
