Who will replace Chris Hughton at Brighton?

by Jack Kitson / 13 May 2019, 12:10Tweet

It’s not even been 24 hours since the 2018/19 Premier League campaign came to a close, but over in the managerial arena we’ve already witnessed the first post-season casualty after Brighton sacked Chris Hughton.

Hughton, who had been in charge of the Seagulls since late 2014, will feel hard done by considering that he led Brighton to their first ever promotion into the Premier League, then preserved the club’s top-flight status with 15th and 17th placed finishes.

However, in an official statement Chairman Tony Bloom said that the time was right for a change in the dugout.

“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 3 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.

So, who will succeed Hughton at the Amex?

The next Brighton manager market reveals that Graham Potter has been installed as the early favourite for the vacancy.

The Swansea boss, who previously enjoyed success with Ostersunds, has done a credible job under difficult circumstances in his debut season in England and now finds himself as short as 1/6 (Paddy Power) to step up a division this summer.

Another Championship manager, in Derby's Frank Lampard, also features in the top-echelons of the betting at a best-priced 8/1 (Bet Victor).

Lampard’s troops lost to Leeds in the first-leg of the play-off semi-final, which they will hope to turn around on Wednesday. Should the Rams falter, the young manager may well listen to Brighton should they come calling.

Gareth Southgate’s England assistant Steve Holland, linked with Chelsea at the start of the year, can be backed at 10/1, followed by Rafa Benitez (14/1) who has a big decision to make in regards to his future at Newcastle.

England women’s boss Phil Neville is available at the same price, while Rangers boss Steven Gerrard is a 16/1 shot alongside Arsene Wenger.