Newcastle United assistant boss Chris Hughton hopes stability off the pitch will bring success on it.

"Stability is the key word for Newcastle now," Hughton said. "I have come from a club which always spoke about stability but never really had it. There were many changes with managers in a short space of time.

"There is no doubt all that upheaval does not help. A period of stability is what is needed here. The club made a decision to bring Kevin Keegan in and it was a popular one. Now, though, we have to produce the goods."

Ironically, top City lawyer Mort is expected to stand down within weeks as his sabbatical draws to a close, with his deputy Derek Llambias tipped to replace him.

However, as executive director (football) Dennis Wise and his team attempt to recruit the players Keegan believes can make a real difference to the current squad, Hughton is looking forward to the new campaign.

He said: "I am quite sure Kevin looked at the end of last season with an eye to building towards next season.

"What the club will do in terms of recruitment is down to the management and down to the club.

"From a coach's point of view, it would be nice to have the platform."