Newcastle United have allowed Tim Krul to reunite with Chris Hughton at Brighton and Hove Albion.
Tim Krul
Brighton and Hove Albion’s new signing Tim Krul has told The Argus that Newcastle United made a mistake sacking manager Chris Hughton back in 2010.
Krul, 29, has been on the books with Newcastle for 12 years now, and with almost 200 appearances for the Magpies to his name, the Dutchman made himself a valued member of the squad at St. James’ Park.
However, his fortunes on Tyneside have changed in recent years. Injuries kept him out of action before he was loaned back to the Netherlands twice last season, firstly with Ajax before heading on to AZ Alkmaar after his spell in Amsterdam.
Despite manager Rafael Benitez being in the market for a new first-choice goalkeeper, he hasn’t given Krul another chance in the Magpies side, and Krul moved away on deadline day, joining Brighton and Hove Albion.
Krul penned a season-long loan deal with the Seagulls on Thursday, and he will now compete with fellow summer signing Mathew Ryan for a starting spot at the Amex Stadium this term.
Krul’s move to the South Coast means that he reunites with manager Chris Hughton, who first served as a coach at Newcastle before taking the reins in July 2009, only to be sacked in December 2010 having lost only 14 of his 70 games in charge.
Hughton’s sacking almost seven years ago was deemed harsh at the time, and whilst he has rebuilt his managerial career with Brighton, Krul has looked back on his Newcastle departure.
Speaking to The Argus, Krul has claimed that Newcastle made a mistake sacking Hughton, and he has shown just how talented his is as a manager during his time with Brighton – but he has only positive things to say about Newcastle despite his own exit last week.
“He built a togetherness in the team,” said Krul. “When we were in the Premier League we had a great start. They kind of made a mistake there and I think Chris has proved that with what he has done at Brighton again. I am looking forward to being a part of that journey. He was definitely a massive part of the journey at Newcastle.”
“I had a great time there. I would have liked to have finish on a positive, but I will always have a positive view on Newcastle. They’ve brought me everything I could wish for, so I could never have any regrets, 11 beautiful years, but Brighton is another family club and has a great set up to look ahead. The aim should be to stay up and it’s got everything to stay there,” he added.