Chris Hughton has become the first victim of the Premier League's summer restructuring period.
The Brighton & Hove Alboin manager had ensured the club's Premier League survival but had not won a game since defeating Crystal Palace in early March, with some fans feeling that the stuttering end to the season marked a natural end of the road for the former Republic of Ireland international.
Hughton had been awarded a new contract at Brighton last May which was to keep him at the club until summer 2021.
The football world has been reacting to the news.
Few people in football with more integrity, dignity, humility and kindness than Chris Hughton. Outstanding coach who developed into a good manager, who got #bhafc up, kept them up. Some recruitment/style issues, ok. But sacked? Football’s a magical sport but a merciless business.
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) May 13, 2019
Adding to the tributes to Chris Hughton after his sudden sacking by Brighton. Lovely bloke, as all who’ve had the pleasure to know will testify. But also a damn good manager. Too distant to comment further - except to say Brighton will do well to find better.
— Alan Biggs (@AlanBiggs1) May 13, 2019
Hughton’s done an outstanding job at Brighton. If Brighton want to move to next level, they need to spend more money, not sack a good boss
— Oliver Holt (@OllieHolt22) May 13, 2019
Sacking of Chris Hughton... incredibly harsh or pragmatic from Brighton?
— Dan Walker (@mrdanwalker) May 13, 2019
Chris Hughton's sacking will be seen as brutal by many. This is a manager who not only took Brighton into the Premier League but also kept them there. There has been, however, growing discontent at the passive style of football in recent times. Very tough on him though.
— Phil McNulty (@philmcnulty) May 13, 2019
Isn’t Brighton/Hughton just the right decision, but one made with a lack of finesse? It is difficult to ignore the side’s regression this season.
— Seb Stafford-Bloor (@SebSB) May 13, 2019
@OfficialBHAFC Another premature sacking. Wishing Chris Hughton all the best for the future. A gentleman on and off the field. Well done for playing your part in keeping them up. No loyalty is this industry. Didn’t have a great deal to spend either.
— Leon Mckenzie (@LeonMckenzie1) May 13, 2019
Brighton sack Chris Hughton. Worried by drop off in performance this season and difficulty integrating new signings.
Club will get plenty of flak, but also some supporters who believe it the natural end of the road, while clearly remaining extremely grateful to Hughton.— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) May 13, 2019
Chris Hughton being sacked is terrible yet comes as no surprise tbh.
— Kevin Campbell (@1kevincampbell) May 13, 2019
Very sad that Chris Hughton has been made the fall guy at Brighton. Kept a thin squad in the Premier League for 2 years, reached an FA Cup semi. Should have been given a chance next season to move the team on with better buys.
— Paul Hayward (@_PaulHayward) May 13, 2019
Surprised Tony Bloom - a man who has run #Brighton so well - has fired a manager for half a bad season. Chris Hughton was brilliant for the #Seagulls. He deserved another season. Clubs get ahead of themselves and I fear Brighton might have done here @premierleague #BHAFC
— Justin Allen (@justinallen1976) May 13, 2019
Chris Hughton is a great guy but I don't get the outrage over his sacking. 36 points this year (down from 40), only stayed up by two. Can't afford to get even worse next year. Need a fresh approach and someone more in line with Tony Bloom's signings.
— Jack Pitt-Brooke (@JackPittBrooke) May 13, 2019
Chris Hughton sacked after leading Brighton to a third successive season in the PL and reaching the FA Cup semi-final!? 🤷🏾♂️ #mmlove
— Mario Melchiot (@MarioMelchiot) May 13, 2019
Chris Hughton didn't deserve to be sacked for keeping that Brighton team up. Has, of course, also been a credit to the league and his club. So easily overlooked. One day they'll start sacking managers for being arseholes instead....
— Barney Ronay (@barneyronay) May 13, 2019
I'd say that in a year's time, Chris Hughton will have more chance of being in the Premier League than Brighton and Hove Albion
— Francis Keogh (@HonestFrank) May 13, 2019
The search for the next manager of the Seagulls starts immmediately.
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