'I Joined Newcastle To Save Them From The Drop'!

Hughton: "I've been made really welcome by everyone at Newcastle.

"Our first priority this season is to achieve safety, and then we can build for next season during the summer.

"The standard of the Premier League now is so high. The teams in the bottom half of the table are also strong and everybody is fighting for survival.

"Of course, with Kevin coming in everybody is expecting that additions will come in to strengthen what we already have, and then we will go from there."

"All it took was a phone call and, within seconds, I had said yes.

"When you have been in the game for as long as I have, the opportunity to come to a club of this stature is always going to be too big an opportunity to turn down.

"When the phone call came, it was very welcome and I jumped at the chance straight away.

"My role is to support Kevin as part of a coaching group that we feel can enhance the qualities of the team.

"I have known Kevin for some time and I have been in, and enjoyed, his company on many occasions.

"As somebody from outside that is always looking in on Newcastle, you always look in awe of what a fantastic club it is.

"The city and the supporters that the club has are incredible and I am very excited to be part of it.

"I have been up here for a couple of days, and the place is magnificent.

"I could not have been made to feel more welcome at the training ground, the hotel and at the stadium, and it makes me want to get on with the job in hand."