Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias has praised Chris Hughton for the job he did in the club's hour of need.
Hughton stepped in as caretaker manager for the third time in the wake of the club's relegation from the Barclays Premier League and after winning the job on a permanent basis, guided them back into the top flight at the first attempt.
However, he was sacked in December 2010 amid fears that he would be unable to take the Magpies any further, and he returns to Tyneside for the first time since today, this time in charge of Norwich.
Writing in his programme notes ahead of Sunday afternoon's game, Llambias said: "I'm delighted to see Chris back in the top flight with Norwich, and no-one under-estimates the job that he did for us during what was a difficult time for the club.
"Our target ahead of our season in the Championship in 2009-10 was always to get back up to the Premier League at the first time of asking, and we were delighted to achieve that aim.
"The spirit that Chris and his team generated within the dressing room played a huge part as we worked towards winning the Championship title.
"Chris was very popular with our fans and I know everyone inside the stadium today will give him a great reception."
