Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton has called on the club's fanbase to maintain their level of support after Sunday's 2-1 home defeat by Stoke City.

A crowd of 41,915 were present at St James' Park and Hughton praised their efforts in lifting his players during a tough encounter.

"On a disappointing afternoon, the support was very good," Hughton told BBC Newcastle.

"We are going to need that because there will be even tougher games."

Newcastle's return to the Premier League after promotion from the Championship has been tempered by defeats by Blackpool and Stoke on home soil, despite impressive victories against Aston Villa and Everton.

606: DEBATE 50,000 passionate Geordies almost bust the sound on my TV yesterday with their noise Heywoodexile

And Hughton has pleaded for a realistic attitude from those associated with the club.

"We're a side that has just been promoted," Hughton added.

"What we've got to be able to do is bounce back from these bad results.

"There are going to be lots of ups and downs this season."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version