Brighton sack manager Chris Hughton after three wins in 23 Premier League matches

Hughton led the club to promotion in 2017 and secured their top-flight status in successive seasons

Chris Hughton has been sacked by Brighton & Hove Albion after four-and-a-half years as manager. Reuters 

Premier League football club Brighton & Hove Albion have sacked their manager, Chris Hughton, the day after the end of the 2018/19 season.

Hughton, 60, has been in charge at Brighton since December 2014, guiding the club to automatic promotion from the Championship at the end of the 2016/17 season.

The former Newcastle United manager kept Brighton in the Premier League in their debut season, finishing 15th and seven points above the drop zone. Hughton repeated the feat this season, although Brighton finished in 17th, two points clear of relegated Cardiff City in 18th.

The decision was made by the Brighton board after a run of form that has seen the club win just three of their past 23 league games.

"Chris has done an excellent job over the past four and a half years," Brighton chairman Tony Bloom said in a statement released on the club's website.

"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.

“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.

“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.

“Chris will always be very fondly remembered by Albion staff and fans as one of our club’s finest and most-respected managers."

Hughton's assistant Paul Trollope and first-team coach Paul Nevin have also been relieved of their duties.

“I would like to wish Chris, Paul and Paul – who have all worked extremely hard throughout their time here – every success for the future, and thank them on behalf of everyone at the club," Bloom added.

“They will always be welcome at the Amex, and will be remembered here with great affection.”