Hughes Rebuffs Toon Rumours Manager Mark Hughes has expressed pride in his position at Blackburn as rumours linking him with Newcastle have recently

Many names have been linked with the vacant position at St. James' Park since the unceramonious sacking of Sam Allardyce.

Alan Shearer has been the mainstay mentioned in the media, Harry Redknapp has done his utmost to rule himself out of the race, there is even speculation that Kevin Keegan could make a return to the club he did such great things with over a decade ago.

The latest name to become a front-runner with the odds-makers is Blackburn boss Hughes who, following his side's last-minute battling victory over Bolton this afternoon, has emphasised his happiness with his position with the Rovers.

"I have support from the chairman (John Williams) and the board. That is something you do not give up lightly," he said.

"The fact is I have continuity here and a good situation. Things are in place and I am very conscious of that.

"All I am trying to do is my job to the best of my ability with the help of my staff.

"I am not into self-promotion but speculation has surrounded me in the past.

"But I am still Blackburn manager and have a job to do here.

"In football you need time and I have been given that. I am proud to be manager of this club."

The victory over Bolton puts Blackburn in eighth place, with 36 points from 22 games.