Newcastle United captain Kevin Nolan admits the players are upset over Chris Hughton's departure.

Nolan, as skipper, was summoned afterwards to be told officially of Hughton's dismissal.

He admitted to The Sun: "We are all upset that Chris is going. He helped a lot of the lads here with their careers when he was a coach and then as manager.

"We will never forget our promotion from the Championship last season and we have to do what he told us. Stick together, make sure we keep the unity Chris has built up and get through this difficult period.

"It goes without saying we were shocked by the announcement. Sometimes at clubs, when a manager goes, there will be some players who are pleased to see the back of him, either because they are not in the team or they have a grudge against him.

"But everybody liked Chris. He was very popular, not just with the players but everyone who worked for the club."