Time for Ashley to build a bridge?

Just over six months ago Mike Ashley surprisingly sacked manager Chris Hughton, a move which angered many supporters as they felt that Chris was doing as good a job as possible in his first season back in the Premier League.

Anyway that was then, this is now. Newcastle have moved on now and finally Chris has been given the chance to move on at his new club Birmingham City and I'm sure all supporters would love to wish Chris all the best in his new role.

I will be giving Chris some support as, living in Birmingham, I'll be going to watch a few of the friendlies at St Andrews and show some respect to a man who held us together during rather turbulent times. It will also of course relieve my withdrawal symptoms that I've suffered since the end of last season and I can't wait to watch some football again!

Many of us Newcastle supporters felt that Mike Ashley was rather disgraceful in his treatment of Chris Hughton, but maybe now that Chris has a new job Mike could help out the man that done such a great job for him?

Birmingham City find themselves in the Championship after a mixed season in which they won the League Cup but ended up relegated on the final day of the season. Many of their better players are rumoured to be moving on to pastures new which will leave them with a thin squad and I personally would like to see our club help out the man who got us out of the Championship at the first time of asking.

I think it would be a great move for all concerned if we were to send some of our fringe players on loan to gain some valuable first team experience. If players like Haris Vuckic, Shane Ferguson and Phil Airey go on loan to Birmingham, I'm sure they will get a lot of playing time at quite a competitive level and who knows, they may even be able to gain some European experience.

I still think that Mike Ashley owes Chris Hughton big time, but will his ego allow him to help his former manager who showed nothing but respect to the club and its supporters through some miserable times?

Personally I would love to see Chris Hughton do a great job at Birmingham City and get them back into the Premier League at the first time of asking. And if some of our young players can help them achieve this, I think it will be smiles all around.

So is this a plan with no drawbacks? It certainly looks like one too me, as these young players will not get much playing time at our club yet, but maybe after a good season and plenty of time on the pitch, we might get to see what these players are really capable of and is young Haris as good as what we are lead to believe? Only time will tell.

Good luck Hooters!