All bar five of the club's squad reported back for pre-season training yesterday ahead of a gruelling 46-game league campaign.

And Hughton, in temporary charge until a new manager is appointed, is confident they will be able to focus on the job in hand despite the continuing uncertainty which surrounding the ownership and managership of United, not to mention their own futures at St James's Park.

Many of those who returned to Newcastle's Benton HQ, including big earners Joey Barton and Obafemi Martins, are being touted for sale, with the club needing to slash its massive wage bill.

However, Hughton – who is being assisted by coaches Colin Calderwood and Paul Barron while would-be manager Alan Shearer awaits a takeover – was pleased with their attitude on the first day.

"The day went well and there was no difference, in many ways, to any other pre-season," Hughton told the Gazette. "There's a job to be done, and the mood was good – I was pleased.

"Whatever the situation at this club or any other club, one thing that doesn't change is that the players quite look forward to the first day.

"The first day's always a good day, and that was the case yesterday.

"The players haven't seen each other for quite some time, and the mood was upbeat. They wanted to get to work.

"They're professional enough not to let what's happening outside affect them.

"The focus is on getting fit, and they have looked after themselves very well in the summer.

"A lot of them have been doing fitness programmes in the summer, and they coped very well."

The only absentees were international quintet Sebastien Bassong, Geremi, Jonas Gutierrez, Xisco and Damien Duff, who have been given extra leave.

Barton, meanwhile, made his first appearance on the training field since being suspended by Shearer late last season in the wake of his Anfield dimissal, while Martins arrived 20 minutes late.