I had my doubts about it at first (as all regular visitors to this site will know), after the players shut the dressing room door on Hughton after the pre-season disaster at Orient and the hammering at Derby last season.
But I understand Hughton gave the players the chance to vent their frustration on each other before he did the same thing.
Is that sort of management strong or weak? I wondered ... because I know for a fact it wouldn't go down well at Man Utd or Arsenal.
But the Toon boss has a more down-to-earth approach, that is starting to bring its own rewards.
He lets the dust settle, then makes his point.
But best of all, his players KNOW that what he says is NOT bullshit ... and that was demonstrated this week when Steve Harper was ruled out for three months ... and all the rumours centred around a return for Shay Given.
Hughton put the record straight: "Tim Krul has waited for his chance and this IS his chance. Shay Given will not be returning to St James' Park, Tim will be our goalkeeper ... and it is very important for me to say that!"
Now that is BRILLIANT management! Krul has waited four years for his chance, Hughton told him to wait, and the manager immediately puts the media in the picture about the Shay Given rumour.