Fulham defender Aaron Hughes cannot believe the relegation trouble for former club Newcastle United.

Hughes said: "It's very sad to see what's happened and where Newcastle are in the table. I'm happy to have won the game, but I'm really sorry that things have turned out as they have.

"I've still got a strong connection and affinity with Newcastle. They're very close to my heart. I've been away for four years, but when the guys who are still here started chatting, it felt like I only left last week.

"I could tell how down, disappointed and concerned they are. It's people like that you feel for. I can't imagine the club in the Championship, the size of the stadium, those amazing fans.

"Everyone can see there's been no stability and it's not always about what's happening on the pitch. It's just a huge club that's embedded in the city and dominates it. Alan Shearer understands that. If Newcastle can keep themselves in the league and look to rebuild in the summer, getting Alan on board permanently would be a really good first step."