Hughton: No boss can plan too far ahead

CHRIS HUGHTON says no manager can afford a future vision these days – even at a well-run club like Brighton.

The Albion boss takes his side to Newcastle today where he was controversially sacked mid-season by Toon owner Mike Ashley (below) in 2010, months after winning promotion to the top flight.

Roll on eight years and Hughton (top) looks comfy at Brighton where he has the full backing of owner Tony Bloom – who gave him a new three-year deal in May.

But when asked what he could have achieved at Newcastle had Ashley stuck by him, Hughton’s answer was a wary one.

“I don’t know and I can’t know – and I never think that way,” he said.

“I can tell you even here at Brighton I don’t have a vision. My job is to do the best I can to make sure we get results.

“A club and owner will always have a philosophy of the way they want the club to be run.

“But as a manager you work day to day. It’s now more about thinking short term for managers.

“The change in ownership at clubs has brought a different mentality and it makes managers think differently because the turnover has been massive.

“So, you have to secure results and success now.” But Hughton said he does not expect to see current Magpies boss Rafa Benitez sacked after taking only two points this season.

“They’ve stuck by him as he’s done a good job,” he said. “Rafa got them promoted and came 10th in the Premier League, which is a wonderful achievement considering what they’ve spent.”