Chris Hughton has broken his silence more than a week after his departure from Brighton.
Brighton parted company with Hughton less than 24 hours after their final game of the season.
Brighton finished 17th in the top flight to secure their Premier League status for the second season in a row.
In a statement released by the League Managers Association, Hughton said: “I was hugely disappointed and surprised, by the decision that was made to end my time with Brighton and Hove Albion FC.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my four and a half years managing this special football club.
I would like to put on record my gratitude to my coaching staff, the players, fans, everyone connected to the club and the wider community of Brighton & Hove and wish them luck for the future."
Hughton paid the price for a poor finish to the season, with just three wins from their final 23 league games.
The Brighton fans were frustrated by the tactics and lack of goals. It's possible to both acknowledge that Hughton did a fantastic job with the club and that perhaps a change of approach was needed.
Earlier this week, Brighton appointed Graham Potter as their new manager on a four-year deal. Potter joined from Swansea, who he guided to a 10th-place finish in the Championship.
✍️ The club are delighted to announce the appointment of Graham Potter as the new head coach of the football club.
📲 Breaking news brought to you by @eToro #BHAFC 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/rfRdm94Czn— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 20, 2019
Brighton chairman Tony Bloom sat beside Potter when he was unveiled to the press and said:
"We believe that Graham is an excellent fit for our club."
"We are delighted to have secured the services of one of the brightest young English coaches. Graham Potter has an excellent record of developing teams with an attractive playing style, fierce determination and a strong collective spirit."
It seems Brighton supporters can expect more attacking football next season but only time will tell if Potter can get the balance right in the biggest job of his coaching career.
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