Canaries chief looking for Tyne return boost

Chris Hughton insists he harbours no bitterness towards Newcastle owner Mike Ashley despite his ruthless sacking 21 months ago.

The Norwich manager returns to Tyneside on Sunday for the first time since he was dismissed after guiding Newcastle out of the Championship and back into a mid-table position in the Premier League. Hughton was replaced by Alan Pardew who has taken the club into Europe and strengthened Newcastle's squad with key signings such as striker Demba Ba. But, while Hughton admits he is desperate for his team "to give a good account of themselves" he has no bad thoughts for his former club. Hughton said: "From the day I left there it was a conscious decision that I was only going to look forward and I think through any experience, good or bad, you have to grow from that. I am delighted to be here at Norwich at a wonderful club. We will take good support there with us. For me it was always a case of just moving on. "They are a wonderful outfit with some fabulous players. They have managed to maintain the improvement by bringing in better players. It's no surprise to see where they are at this moment. "You always feel with Newcastle they can make the changes that will change the game. (Papiss) Cisse and Ba up front are as prolific a strikeforce as there is anywhere in the country. When you have that ammunition along with Hatem Ben Arfa, who arguably is their best player, they have got a real attacking force who can change a game."