Magpies focusing on football

Hughton: Focusing on pre-season

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Newcastle caretaker manager Chris Hughton is confident his squad have the neccesary professional mindset to shut out the off-field turmoil at St James' Park.

The majority of the Magpies players - who were relegated from the Premier League last season - returned to pre-season training on Wednesday as they prepare for life in the Championship.

But behind-the-scenes speculation continues to surround the traumatised North East club as want-away owner Mike Ashley attempts to sell and the future of Alan Shearer remains murky.

Hughton, though, likes what he has seen from his players after their first session since the summer break at the club's Darsley Park training centre.

No difference

He said: "The day went well and there was no difference, in many ways, to any other pre-season.

"There's a job to be done and the mood was good. I was pleased.

"Whatever the situation at this club or any other club, one thing that doesn't change is that the players quite look forward to the first day.

"The first day is always a good day, and that was the case yesterday.

Upbeat

"The players haven't seen each other for quite some time and the mood was upbeat.

"They wanted to get to work. They are professional enough not to let what's happening outside affect them.

"The focus is on getting fit and they have looked after themselves very well in the summer.

"A lot of them have been doing fitness programmes in the summer, and they coped very well."