We have no need to splash the cash
CHRIS HUGHTON is not envious of the millions Fulham have spent in the transfer market and is backing Brighton to prove their way works just as well.
Newly-promoted Fulham go to the Amex today with £110m of new talent to show off after buying 12 players in August, while their opponents spent half as much.
But after beating Manchester United last week and backed by wealthy owner Tony Bloom, Brighton have no inferiority complex.
“Am I envious of what Fulham have spent? No, not at all,” said Hughton. “The best way to manage is to have a good relationship with the owner, the chairman, and the money people at the club, and to have in your head what’s right for your club.”
Hughton also has a different on-field approach to Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic, sticking with players who kept Brighton in the top flight. Even £17m record signing Alireza Jahanbakhsh is being made to wait and Hughton says depth is not always ideal. “The bigger squad you have the more decisions you have,” he said. “I know there are a lot of managers who like a tight squad.” Jokanovic is awaiting the international break so he can get his defenders up to speed.
Alfie Mawson has been injured while Calum Chambers, Tim Fosu-Mensah and Joe Bryan all arrived late in the transfer window.
Jokanovic said: “We are going to use it for a mini pre-season because I didn’t work with many players.”