CHN Links: Thursday Edition

Good morning, Toon Army. News about Chris Hughton's state of mind, a rumor about Calderwood's replacement, and the reserve team results after the jump.

"Whether it be this period of the season, halfway through the season or at the end of the season, these are the pressures you have to deal with." - Chris Hughton
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Chris Hughton is pretty overwhelmed right now: His number 1 striker is in trouble with the law again (never mind that there are whispers about his poor form, and oh by the way, he just signed a lengthy extension), his assistant coach left for another club, and there are rumors that he was almost sacked. To say "they are testing times" just goes to show you how understated he is. I get the feeling that had he been the captain of the Titanic, he would have remained calm until the bitter end. (MirrorFootball)

Hughton is going to take his time naming his new assistant manager. Hughton: "I have an idea of who I want to appoint, but I’ve not made a definite decision yet. We aren’t going to draw up a shortlist, I’ll just come up with the name and give it to the board. They’ll do the rest." (Luke Edwards, The Journal) Within this piece about the possibility of Andy Carroll starting Saturday, Steve Brenner writes that Hughton is expected to pick internal candidate Steve Clarke as Colin Calderwood's replacement. (The Sun)

Chris Hughton expects his lads to play with "no fear" against West Ham. (Lee Ryder, The Chronicle)

Sol Campbell will not be available on Saturday. (Lee Ryder, The Chronicle)

Nile Ranger is making a push for first team action. (Stuart Rayner, The Journal)

The reserve team beat Bolton Wanderers 4-1 and they now sit at the top of the table. Nevertheless, Peter Beardsley sees room for improvement. I love that attitude. Beardsley for assistant manager? (Lee Ryder, The Chronicle) Danny Simpson played 65 minutes for the reserves and would love a chance to play Saturday. (Lee Ryder, The Chronicle)

toonsy calls this time of year the "silly season" for transfer rumors, then gives us two rumors to chew on. (nufcblog.org)

Former Magpie Paul Gascoigne faces jail time following a drunk driving incident. (BBC News)