Chris Hughton showing United intent

Aug 30 2009 by Neil Farrington, Sunday Sun

“There’s always been a focus here . . . not at any stage have I thought about walking away. It’s always about ‘what is the next stage?’

“In the time I’ve been here, either as temporary manager or coach, there have been difficult times.

“For me to walk away from all that would have just added to the problems. For me, the most important thing is to try to get the problems solved.”

Asked directly if he still wants his caretaker role to be made permanent, Hughton added: “Yes. It’s been a very challenging time, not just for me but for everybody at the club.

“But I would be happy to be in control of this group of lads for as long a period as the club wanted me to be.’’

Meanwhile, Hughton is considering whether to bring Peter Lovenkrands back to St James’s Park ahead of the close of the transfer window on Tuesday afternoon, as well as eyeing a loan deal for Everton striker James Vaughan.

“Peter is one that we are very aware of. He had a good period here and we know that he’s not fixed up,” said Hughton.