Post Hammers: Hughton

With Joe Kinnear suffering another bout of media sore throat, Chris Hughton was again asked to step into the breach and give the post-match views of the NUFC staff. Speaking to the press he praised the attitudes of both Shay Given and Andy Carroll and gave a hint as to transfer activity, saying:

On transfers:

'We want to keep what we've got and we are not really in the position where we can afford to lose our best players. We are hopeful of keeping our best players, most definitely. We have an honest group of lads who perform to the best of their abilities.

Of course the things that are going on and have been going on for some time can be off-putting but they are things we have to cope with and we wouldn't be the only team in this position."

On Shay:

"All we've seen of Shay is him coming in and training and conducting himself like he always has. As far as I know there has been no progress there.

We're working hard behind the scenes and we do realise we need to bring in two or three new players. We're hopeful that by the end of the transfer window we'll be able to bring them in."

On Carroll:

'I'm delighted for him and delighted for the supporters as well because it is always nice to see a local lad come through and ply his trade. If he is able to do that in the first-team it is even more pleasing. He gives us something. He is a young lad, very good in the air, with lots of enthusiasm.'

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