text: Toon caretaker boss has revealed he has been offered a £250,000-a-year deal last by Mike Ashley.
  This is believed to be the same package that David O’Leary turned down in August.
  One Toon fans writes in the Chronicle today: "We really are in a sorry state. I realise that Hughton got some good results at the start of the season, but it seems to have been more of a backlash from the players, than any management skills on his part.
  "No disrespect meant, he has done well and remained dignified throughout the shambles that is Mike Ashley's ineptitude.
  "However, as keen as he may be to become the manager, there are a few questions he should be asking himself.
  "Firstly, and foremostly, WHY on earth would anyone want to accept a Managers position after being told you'll have NO MONEY to buy players, NO SAY on who will stay and who will be sold, ONLY the odd loan signing (and we all know what quality players are on that list), and realistically hung out to dry when things get worse by an owner who has proved to have NO morals, NO scruples, NO dignity, NO decency, NO respect (be it for the fans, or the potential buyers he approached in Dubai last year), NO guilt over this whole sorry affair, NO compassion, and skin so thick, that a chainsaw couldn't cut through it!!??!!
  "On top of all this, the fact that he has no experience as a full-time permanent manager, will leave our Liar of an owner to believe he can, and will be walked all over.
  "His appointment is yet another example of Ashley treating the Club (OUR CLUB) the same as the stuff he sells in his stores....cheap and chatty!
  "A little bit of advice for Mr Ashley....PLEASE TURN UP ON SATURDAY!!!! Because after the stunts he has pulled in the last seven days, from appointing Hughton, to taking a swipe at the fans (who, may i remind him, are in a lot less priveliged position than him) last week, if he thinks the fans were disgruntled, angry and vociferous against him before....then let me warn him...come saturday....HE AIN'T SEEN NOTHING YET!!!!"