Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has hailed the work being done by his Newcastle counterpart Chris Hughton.
Black Cats manager appalled by treatment of Toon boss
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has hailed the work being done by his Newcastle counterpart Chris Hughton.
The Black Cats manager is preparing his side for this Sunday's highly anticipated Tyne-Wear derby at St James' Park.
And Bruce admits he has nothing but praise for the Magpies boss after dragging the club back into the Premier League in the wake of their relegation.
He told
The Journal: "I hope that they give him the respect that he deserves because he has done extremely well in difficult circumstances.
"He's a proper football man and I hope that they have looked after him in a way which is right because of what he's done.
"He's created a spirit amongst the players, which is very, very good. He got them promoted in a time when it was chaos, and Chris being Chris, has got the best out of what he's got."
Appalling
Recent speculation had suggested Hughton's time at St James' Park could be drawing to a close.
However, the club released a statement insisting that they intend to re-negotiate his contract at the end of the season.
Bruce added: "I find it appalling that he has been criticised and questioned, but that's unfortunately what we have to deal with.
"For him to have to answer questions on it, I found that totally ridiculous."
