HUGHTON: NO CAKES OR CARDS THANK YOU

CHRIS HUGHTON has insisted on no cake and no cards as he celebrates his fourth anniversary at Brighton – but he’d be happy to make a bigger fuss if he makes it to 10 years!

The Seagulls boss has helped transform the club since arriving on New

Year’s Eve in 2014, guiding them to the Premier League and now to mid-table security.

His side head to West Ham sitting 13th – 10 points clear of the drop zone and looking certainties to stay up again.

But the Tottenham legend admits there haven’t been many loveydovey messages and no thoughts of a party.

“There’s definitely no cake and I don’t think there’ll be dinner, either,” he insisted.

“It’s been quiet. The problem is there’s Christmas and New Year – and there’s also a lot of games. So, most of that has taken over.

“And a four-year anniversary is not a big one. Maybe five sounds a bit better – or even 10!”

Brighton fans would love Hughton to still be at the Amex in 2025 and he has recently signed a new deal until 2021.

But he admits that reaching 10 years at one club could be a long shot.

“It’s a lovely thought, but it’s very rare these days,” said Hughton.

“Will I still be here? Probably I’d have to say no – but that’s nothing to do with the period so far at the club or how I feel about the club. I’m really happy and delighted to be here. But it’s getting rarer and rarer that a manager stays 10 years anywhere. So, let’s see.”

Hughton’s immediate task is to keep Brighton on track and keep up their good form.

“The biggest challenge is always complacency,” he said. “We are still in our second season, so the aim has to be to make sure we maintain our position and our progress

“If I did have to look ahead another four years, then it’s about continually improving and having stability.

“And, of course, the best chance of success for a club like ours is to win one of the domestic trophies.”