With the club no longer for sale and Chris Hughton permanent manager, Gutierrez and his team-mates can finally focus on football, and nothing else.

Hughton's appointment brought an end to months of uncertainty and speculation in the wake of United's relegation.

And Gutierrez, for one, is relieved that the main talking point, despite the row over the selling of the St James's Park naming rights, is their promotion bid.

Newcastle go into Saturday's home game against Peterborough United looking to cement their place at the top of the table.

"I think the club is going the right way, and, for us, it's very good that Chris has the job," Gutierrez told the Gazette.

"Now we're only thinking of winning the games, and taking the most points we can.

"We've tried only to think of the football, and the club is going the right way, which is good for us, for Chris and all the people that are working here in Newcastle.

"He's doing an excellent job. For us, it's very good to have him as manager.

"He was here for the start of the season, so it's good for him to have this job now. It's something that he has done from the first day, and he was very good.

"It's a good opportunity, and it's fantastic for him. All the players think that he's the best person for this job."