We, Toon fans, weren't too happy about it because we felt we could have given the Carling Cup a genuine go ... and even go on and win it ... because to top sides were not showing the competition enough respect.
But Hughton got us promotion, and that was everyone's priority.
Now tew Birmingham boss Chris Hughton insists clinching immediate promotion back to the top flight next season will take precedence over a UEFA Europa League adventure.
Following Birmingham's Carling Cup success, the 52-year-old also has the unusual added element of European football to contend with amid a tough 46-match npower Championship campaign.
The club enter the Europa League at the final play-off stage before the group competition, with the two-legged tie due to be played on August 18 and 25 against opponents who will become known on August 5.
And despite admitting he will look to take Birmingham as far as he can in Europe, Hughton left fans in no doubt as to where his priorities lie.
Chris Hughton: "I don't think I'd be speaking too out of place if I was to say, for me, that (Europe) is not the biggest priority.
"It's something which is very welcome and it gives players an opportunity to play at European level. But I don't think it would be wrong of me to say that it isn't the most important priority for me.
"The most important one is to get this group of lads together and give this Championship a real good go.
"Our approach will be to do as well as we can in the competition (Europa League). It is a different stage and does open players to a different audience, that audience becomes bigger the further you go in the competition. Anything which promotes this club is a plus."
NEWCASTLE UTD FIXTURES:-
Saturday 13th August 2011
Newcastle United v Arsenal 15:00
Saturday 20th August 2011
Sunderland v Newcastle United 15:00
Saturday 27th August 2011
Newcastle United v Fulham 15:00
Saturday 10th September 2011
Queens Park Rangers v Newcastle United 15:00
Saturday 17th September 2011
Aston Villa v Newcastle United 15:00
Saturday 24th September 2011
Newcastle United v Blackburn Rovers 15:00
Saturday 01st October 2011
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Newcastle United 15:00
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