AGONY AND ECSTASY
Brighton dream ends in despair with a minute to go but Hughton looks on the bright side
CHRIS HUGHTON pledged to resist “wholesale” changes this summer despite Brighton’s promotion party falling flat.
Boss Hughton has masterminded an outstanding season, but the Seagulls’ title aspirations were wrecked in agonising fashion.
They were on course to finish top until the 89th minute when Jack Grealish equalised for 10-man Villa with a long-range shot which crept under keeper David Stockdale.
It was a jolt for the visitors, whose fans were partying in the sunshine ahead of their first top-flight season in 34 years.
They exploded in joy in the 64th minute when Glenn Murray bagged his 23rd goal of the season from the spot after Nathan Baker was sent off for pulling back Sam Baldock.
But Brighton were denied by sub Grealish’s late, looping, speculative effort (right), which handed the title to Newcastle.
Stockdale, who otherwise had a fine game, was inconsolable at the end after Albion failed to win any of their last three games.
Hughton admitted: “Because of the time of the goal at that late stage it made it even tougher for the players.
“That is the life of a goalkeeper – he has made two very good saves from free-kicks. But we never apportion any blame and we have achieved our goal.
“Today is a negative day because it is difficult. But there are far more pluses, what these lads have achieved this season has been tremendous.
“We are playing in a division where there are some very big teams and we have managed to become, along with Newcastle, one of the top teams.
“We have managed to finish slightly behind a Newcastle side who have spent massively and are a Premier league outfit.
“Now we have a Premier League season to prepare for. But you can’t make wholesale changes, because part of the reason we have done so well is we have a wonderful group.
“I am not going to take too much away from what we have got.”
Villa’s 13th position is the lowest Steve Bruce has ever finished as a boss. His mood was not helped seeing £9million January signing Scott Hogan go off injured with another ankle problem.
Bruce said: “It shows the job we have got here with us 30 points behind them. I have to have a squad who are going to mount a challenge, otherwise I will not be sat here – quite simple.”