Brighton sacked manager Chris Hughton on Monday in what chairman Tony Bloom described as “one of the most difficult decisions” he had ever had to make.
Hughton leaves despite guiding Brighton to the FA Cup semi-finals and retaining their Premier League status for a second successive season.
However, a slump in their league form in the latter part of the season — which saw them sucked into a relegation battle — forced Bloom’s hand.
“Undoubtedly, this has been one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make as chairman of Brighton & Hove Albion, but ultimately one I have made due to how we struggled in the second half of the season,” said Bloom in a club statement.
“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’s the right time for a change.”
Hughton replaced Sami Hyypia at the Amex Stadium in December 2014, with Brighton just above the Sky Bet Championship relegation zone.
After defeat in the play-off semi-finals in 2016, Hughton led Albion to promotion the following season with a second-placed finish.
He also guided the club to only their second FA Cup semi-final earlier this season.
“Chris has done an excellent job over the past four-and-a-half years,” said Bloom.
“First stabilising our club, reaching the play-offs in his first full season, securing our first-ever promotion to the Premier League, and retaining our status in two successive seasons.”
