Chris Hughton has been sacked by Brighton & Hove Albion despite retaining their Premier League status.
The decision came as a bit surprising as Brighton have already escaped the drop following Cardiff City’s loss to Crystal Palace. The Seagulls had a nervy second half in this campaign but survived the relegation and will be playing in the Premier League next season.
Alongside Hughton, Paul Trollope and first-team coach Paul Nevin have also departed from the club.
They faced Manchester City in the penultimate match and gave the English champions a run for their own money. Glenn Murray provided a breakthrough for the home side but Sergio Aguero equalized just a few seconds later. The Sky Blues ramped up the intensity and piled on three more goals as they lifted their second consecutive Premier League title.
Brighton chairman Tony Bloom issued a statement: “Chris has done an excellent job, 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.
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.
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.
“Chris will always be very fondly remembered by Albion staff and fans as one of our club’s finest and most respected managers.
“I would like to wish Chris, Paul and Paul – who have all worked extremely hard throughout their time here – every success for the future, and thank them on behalf of everyone at the club.
“They will always be welcome at the Amex, and will be remembered here with great affection.”
