Bolton boss Owen Coyle feels Newcastle need to sort Chris Hughton's contract situation out, otherwise they run the risk of him leaving St James' Park. Hughton took up the reins at St James' Park on a caretaker basis in the aftermath of the Magpies' relegation from the Barclays Premier League in 2009, and having signed a permanent contract soon after, guided them back into the top flight at the first time of asking as Championship winners.
The team's progress has continued this term and earlier this month Newcastle sat fifth in the table following an impressive 1-0 victory at Arsenal.
However, the club only intend to open contract negotiations at the end of the year.
"The situation arose where he was given the opportunity, but he has earned everything he has got to this point," said Coyle, whose side host Newcastle.
"The sooner that contract situation is sorted out the better because they run the risk of losing him because of the quality he has.
"There is no doubt in my mind that he is desperate to stay at Newcastle because of the size of the club, the job he has done and the group of players he has.
"So the sooner they sort that, the better."
Coyle thinks Hughton's attitude has been exemplary in dealing with the various problems that have arisen during his time in charge of the Tyneside club.
"I think Newcastle have been a breath of fresh air this year - you look at the job Chris has done and it is truly remarkable," Coyle said.
"You see the little bits of sniping that went on regarding Chris last month - when they went out of the Premier League there was absolute turmoil at that football club.
"The one constant at the club was how calm and focused Chris stayed, knowing he could do that job and bring a huge football club back to the Premier League.
"They did it in tremendous style in the Championship and they have carried that on this season. Through all the speculation and conjecture, he has stayed calm.
"We all know he is an outstanding football coach and manager, but more than that, I think he is a tremendous role model for that football club with the way he has conducted himself and goes about his business.
"It must be a great source of comfort to his players how he leads the football club and it is all credit to him."
