Hughton Agrees New Deal
Brighton & Hove Albion have agreed a new contract with first-team manager Chris Hughton. Hughton, who joined Albion on New Year’s Eve 2014, has been rewarded with a new deal until June 2021, after an excellent first season in the Premier League, having guided the club to promotion just over a year ago. Chairman Tony Bloom commented, “Chris’s record as our manager is absolutely superb, he has been great for the club and his measured and calm approach brings out the very best in all around him. “Our first-ever Premier League season has been a brilliant experience for the club, with some iconic moments, including an unforgettable night at the Amex against Manchester United to secure our Premier League status earlier this month. “Chris’s diligent approach is respected across football. He thoroughly deserves his new contract and on behalf of everyone at the Albion I’d like to thank him for a wonderful season.” Chief executive Paul Barber added, “Chris has been an absolute pleasure to work with on a day-to-day basis. He understands the club, the community and what it takes to make progress and bring success - and he is delivering both on and off the pitch. “His record since arriving three and a half years ago has been outstanding, and I would like to add my congratulations as he thoroughly deserves this new contract.” Hughton added, “I’m delighted to have extended my time with the club, and I would like to thank the chairman, the board, my staff and everyone at the club, including our fans, for the support we’ve had in achieving our aims. “The set-up in terms of the training ground and excellent facilities, and the professionalism of all the staff across the club gives us a platform and creates an excellent environment for us to work on a daily basis - and I would like to thank everyone at the club for their efforts this season. “Our second season will be tougher, and we will need that spirit of togetherness to help us continue to progress - but once we’ve had a well-earned break and reflected on the season just gone, we will begin planning for 2018/19.” Hughton joined Albion when they were languishing in the Championship, but led the team clear of relegation danger during the second half of the 2014/15 season. The following season, after rebuilding his team, he started the season with a 21-game unbeaten run, and ended finishing third. Albion missed out on automatic promotion by just two goals, and in very frustrating circumstances at Middlesbrough on the final day of the regular season. That frustration continued into the playoff campaign as his side, decimated by injuries, succumbed to Sheffield Wednesday. However the team returned the following season, and this time clinched automatic promotion with three games to spare - leading to some of the most memorable scenes in the club’s history. In the club’s first season in the Premier League, Hughton guided the club to 15th, with some truly memorable results, with standout matches against Arsenal, Spurs and Manchester United at the Amex. The club’s first Premier League win over West Bromwich Albion and emphatic home and away wins over West Ham United were other highlights for Hughton and the Albion.