Ryan Taylor has revealed how Newcastle United boss Chris Hughton has shielded the players from the controversies swirling around the club.

The midfielder told the Evening Chronicle: “You can turn the TV on any day you want and I guarantee there will be something on it about what is happening off the pitch at Newcastle.

“But thankfully Chris Hughton is so focused on his job that he does not let the outside world distract him.

“He’s deserves everything that he gets. He has won two manager of the month awards now, and I’d like to know the last person that did that.

“That’s a tremendous feat, especially at Newcastle where it is all going a little bit weird off the pitch.

“Chris has got a group of lads behind him that will give him everything on the pitch."