Newcastle United managing director Derek Llambias has explained why they sacked Birmingham City manager Chris Hughton.

Llambias believes that the United board were justified in replacing Hughton with Alan Pardew in December 2010.

He told the Evening Chronicle: "We are not afraid to make decisions and some of them aren't always good for the fans or show a perception of what we are trying to do.

"Chris was a really good guy - look what he's doing with Birmingham.

"He's done an incredible job with a club in crisis and he's pushed it through.

"He's got the skill factors, I wish him good luck for the future."