Soccer

Brighton & Hove Albion sack manager Chris Hughton

Former Ireland international fired after Seagulls finish two points above the drop

Chris Hughton has been sacked as Brighton manager. Photograph: Nick Potts/PA

Mon May 13 2019 - 11:24

Brighton have sacked manager Chris Hughton following the club's poor run of form in 2019.

Albion scraped Premier League survival by two points following just two wins from 18 top-flight matches since the turn of the year.

Seagulls chairman Tony Bloom said: "Undoubtedly, this has been one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make as chairman of Brighton & Hove Albion, but ultimately one I have made due to how we struggled in the second half of the season.

“Our run of three wins from 23 Premier League matches 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.”

READ MORE

Hughton replaced Sami Hyypia at the Amex Stadium in December 2014, with Brighton just above the Sky Bet Championship relegation zone.

After defeat in the play-off semi-finals in 2016, Hughton led Albion to promotion the following season with a second-placed finish.

He also guided the club to only their second FA Cup semi-final earlier this season.

“Chris has done an excellent job over the past four-and-a-half years,” said Bloom.

“First stabilising our club, reaching the play-offs in his first full season, securing our first-ever promotion to the Premier League, and retaining our status in two successive seasons.”

LATEST STORIES