Hughton claims Mike Ashley will back Newcastle United spending in transfer market

Chris Hughton, the manager of English soccer club Newcastle United, does not expect to receive any of the £20 million newly invested in the club by owner Mike Ashley, but nonetheless insists he will be backed in the transfer market.

Ashley announced last week that, as well as taking the club off the market, he would be investing another £20 million, leaving some fans expecting fresh investment in players in January. However, Hughton says the money has not gone into his transfer kitty, telling the Northern Journal: "The money that has been put into the club is money that had to be put into it anyway."

• Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley forced to call in the lawyers
• Ashley puts Newcastle United stadium naming rights up for sale

The £20 million is expected to be used for a range of purposes, including stadium operating costs. Still, Hughton is expecting Ashley's backing in the transfer market. "I have not been told any figures, but what I have been told is that I will be supported in their endeavours to get things right on the pitch," he said.

"What you have is a club that wants to get back in to the Premier League and the best opportunity to get back into Premier League is the first opportunity and the club is aware of that. The most important thing for me is that I have been given assurances that I will be backed in the windows."

Contact the author