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Brighton sack Hughton one day after Premier League season ends

Brighton & Hove Albion have dismissed Chris Hughton from his position as manager one day after the 2018-19 Premier League season ended.

Cardiff's defeat to Crystal Palace on May 4 confirmed Brighton's place in the Premier League for a third season and they reached the FA Cup semifinal, but they won only two league games out of 18 in 2019 which saw them drawn into a relegation fight.

"Chris has done an excellent job over the past four and a half years," Brighton chairman Tony Bloom said in a statement 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 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. Chris will always be very fondly remembered by Albion staff and fans as one of our club's finest and most-respected managers.

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

Hughton's final game in charge was Sunday's 4-1 home defeat by title-winning Manchester City.

Brighton, who said they have not decided on a successor, but the process is underway, ended the season two points above the relegation zone with 36 points.

Information from Reuters was used in this report.

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