Premier League side Brighton have decided to sack manager Chris Hughton, just one day after the last match of the season. The Seagulls finished 17th in the Premier League and managed to avoid relegation, despite having won just three of their last 23 league matches. Brighton have not won any of their last nine games, but somehow managed to remain above the relegation zone, mostly because Cardiff were unable to record better results. Chris Hughton took the Brighton job in December 2014 and led them to a historic Premier League promotion in 2017, the first ever for the club. Last season they finished 15th in the top flight.
60-year-old Hughton also led the club to the FA Cup semi-finals this season but lost 1-0 to Premier League champions Manchester City. Club chairman Tony Bloom admitted that Hughton had done a lot for the Seagulls, but said that their recent run of results in the Premier League "put our status at significant risk. It is with that in mind, and the performances during that period, that I now feel it's the right time for a change. Undoubtedly, this has been one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make as chairman of Brighton, but ultimately one I have made due to how we struggled in the second half of the season."
Hughton was named Premier League manager of the month in March 2018 and has won four out of ten matches in charge of Brighton. He is the seventh Premier League manager to get sacked this season. Chairman Tony Bloom added: "Chris will always be very fondly remembered by Albion staff and fans as one of our club's finest and most respected managers." Assistant Paul Trollope and first-team coach Paul Nevin have also left the club. Chris Hughton has also managed Newcastle United, Birmingham City and Norwich City. Brighton now have a good amount of time to pick their own manager, possibly before the transfer window opens on July 1st.
Brighton are predicted to struggle next season as well, they are 2/1 at Bet365 to get relegated from the Premier League next season.
05/14/19, 03:05:57 PM
