Potter in frame to replace Hughton
BRIGHTON EYE SWANS BOSS AFTER RUTHLESS SACKING
CHRIS HUGHTON was left shocked yesterday after being ruthlessly axed by Brighton, with Swansea boss Graham Potter among the names to replace him.
Less than 24 hours after the final game of the season, a 4-1 defeat by Manchester City, the club confirmed their decision to sack the 60-year-old.
Hughton was taken aback by the club’s decision to dispense with him during a trainingground summit yesterday with chairman Tony Bloom.
There had been speculation about his future in recent weeks, but Hughton felt he would be in charge next season.
Instead, the former
Newcastle boss was told he was no longer required, despite keeping Brighton up for a second straight season. Bloom said: ‘Our run of three wins from 23 Premier League matches put our status at significant risk. It is with that in mind, and the performances during that period, that I now feel it is the right time for a change. ‘Undoubtedly, this has been one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make, but ultimately one I have made due to how we struggled in the second half of the season.’
The club — led by recently appointed technical director Dan Ashworth — will turn their attention to appointing Hughton’s replacement. Potter, who impressed during his first full season with Championship club Swansea, is a front-runner.
Phil Neville, head coach of the England women’s side, is also in the frame — though Potter is the preferred candidate.
A move for Neville, who was appointed to his current role by Ashworth, would pose obvious difficulties with the Women’s World Cup starting on June 7.
It is unimaginable that Neville would leave his FA post prior to the tournament.
Hughton led Brighton to promotion in 2017, but Bloom wants to see progress each year and sources say the feeling was that was not the case this season.
The fact Brighton finished with just two points more than relegated Cardiff was an issue, along with the belief Hughton had taken Albion as far as he could.