A man who took on the caretaker position, and suddenly found himself with the job.
None of those four mentioned were up to the task, and I don't think Hughton is either.
Fanzine editor Steve Wraith was on SKY TV last night saying the Toon fans will be "delighted with the appointment", but I don't quite see where the hell he is coming from or what games (if any) he attends.
Before the fans (on Saturday) urged Hughton to take off Marlon Harewood and bring on Nile Ranger, Hughton took amazing stick with chants of "you don't know what you're doing".
And his team selection in recent weeks has not been to everyone's liking, and I think we all know his tactics can be a little suspect. He seems to pick players on personality (and age) rather than on ability.
Last night Mike Ashley took the club off the market and confirmed Chris Hughton will become permanent manager with a contract until the end of the 2010/11 season.
On Hughton's appointment, managing director Derek Llambias said: "We are delighted that Chris has accepted the post of full-time manager. He has done a terrific job this season and we wish him every success for the rest of this season and beyond.
"He will continue to receive our full backing and support."
Hughton added: "It is a very proud day for me to be named as the manager of this magnificent football club.
"I thank Mike and Derek for their support and will be doing everything i my power to get the club back into the Premier League at the first time of asking.
"Having the unequivocal backing of the players has helped me enormously and I would also like to thank Colin Calderwood, Paul Barron and the rest of the backroom staff who have never been anything but tremendously supportive to me this season."
OK, he's got the job and we have to back him, but don't believe for one second the fans are "delighted". Not with Alan Shearer sat at home twiddling his thumbs looking for a job.