Alan Pardew will quickly begin the process of trying to placate the Newcastle dressing room following his appointment as manager.
Pardew arrived on Tyneside well aware that anger at Hughton's dismissal on Monday is still running high, and that he was far from the fans' favourite to replace the former Republic of Ireland international.
But while he is confident he can win over the fans, he knows he first needs to do just that with a squad stunned by Hughton's departure.
Pardew said: "Even without speaking to Kevin - I only spoke to Kevin briefly on the phone - it's obvious that Chris is much-liked in that dressing room.
"I can't think of a player in the group that I have managed, so I am somewhat of a mystery to the group, so I need to make sure that when I come in, the players understand I am a fair manager who will give them every opportunity to excel.
"It's very, very important that I get some stability back to the dressing room and calm their fears down."
Eyebrows were raised when the length of Pardew's contract was confirmed as owner Mike Ashley attempts to implement his long-term plan.
He became the club's sixth manager in the three-and-a-half years to date the sportswear magnate has been at the helm, and it is understood his deal includes lucrative bonus clauses.
The Londoner was keeping the details of his contract to himself, but insisted money was not his main motivation in accepting the job.
Pardew said: "The contract is confidential, if I am honest, but the whole purpose of the contract for me was more about the future and the stability than the money.
"That's not been the highest priority. Of course, you are highly paid as a Premier League manager, but it's not the be all and end all, it's trying to get a contract where you have got a chance of success.
Pardew will head for the dug-out for the first time when Liverpool arrive at St James' Park on Saturday evening, and will do so with talk of protests and boycotts rife.
He admits he can understand the frustration of fans who believed Hughton had brought a stability to their club.
He said: "My message to them is I have not determined what has happened here, I am the new guy.
"I can understand the frustration of losing that stability with Chris. He was a gentleman and somebody who coached me, so I know Chris well and I can imagine the feelings for him.
"I just hope they channel that frustration into support for our team on Saturday."
