Chris Hughton has been announced as the new manager of Brighton and Hove Albion, following the resignation of Sami Hyypia. He clearly enjoys hearing opposition fans hurling abuse at his sides, following his time with us and Norwich, I guess! They're having a poor season, but they've generally been a side going in the right direction in recent seasons, playing some good football and finally getting their new stadium. Might be an idea for him to bring in someone with a little more offensive nous than he's got, as that was an area that he's struggled with in the past. Could be good for us, if we can send a few loanees in their direction. Might have to start next season though, as they've got a bunch already, including our old mate Darren 'Workshy' Bent.
I had high expectations for Hyypia, can't believe he did so badly there. As you say, they've got a great set up there, ideal for new manager coming in. Hopefully Hughton can get another shot in the Premier League with this move.
I am pleased he has got this chance and I hope it works out for him. Looking at his record at Newcastle and then Birmingham, it's clear he must have something to offer as he did magnificent jobs at both clubs. I did think he and Norwich would be a good fit, but it went downhill for him there. As has already been said, it's a good set up at Brighton, so hopefully he can help them up the table.
Another of our former players, Peter Taylor, has been sacked from his job at Gillingham. Hard to believe he was once part of the England coaching set up, given that his record at club level is very mixed.
Really hope the appointment works both for Hughton and for Brighton. Great club and city. They've made a succession of very good managerial appointments over the last 10 or so years and pretty much always had them poached away - Poyet being the most recent example. Also I can't help but think that the large number of ex-Albion players in the Prem has something to do with their current fate. Ulloa, Bridcutt (who was excellent the couple of times I saw him for them), David Lopez, Ashley Barnes - all gone in the last 12 months or so. And if Brighton ever get promoted I would heartily recommend a trip to the Amex - one of the most fan-friendly, best-catered and comfortable stadiums in the country I'd imagine. They light up the visitor's end in the away club's colours for every game, put on beer local to the area of that team and all the pies are hand-made on site! Not kidding! At the home end (assume it's the same in the away end) the seats are all cushioned and really comfortable although if you want to just stand the whole time the stewards don't mind and there's a very generous amount of legroom so it feels really roomy when everyone's standing - though I just went with my mates and hung out at the top of the stand for the whole game - again the stewards didn't have a problem with that at all. Games against Palace aside (I assume) all the concourses are open after the game too so the different fans can even mingle and have a pint together. Best thing was that at half-time there was zero queue at one of the many places to get a pint of Harvey's - the local ale and my favourite. Bloody brilliant day at the football that was.
I quite fancy a steak and kidney pudding now you've made me think about it. But the thought of Newcastle Ale with it ....ooooh,nasty!!!
Best of luck to him, here's hoping he can turn things around for them and get his managerial career back on track.
Sad to see Taylor get the sack, I must admit that I didn't really want him back as he was a hero for getting us into the championship first time he was our manager and it was never going to work so well this time. He has left us with some good young players and I wish him well for the future.
First league win. They beat Brentford in the FA Cup, too. Very good start for him. Two good sides away from home, two victories and two clean sheets. Hope he keeps it up.
So Hughton, Pulis and Pardew have all won their first 2 games in charge. The new manager effect is clearly a strong one.
Yeah, I meant to add that guy, forget his name but he was Hamilton manager before. Can't believe Bournmouth lost that at 1-1 against 10 men, screwed over my accumulator completely Luckily I managed to turn a free £5 bet into £80 so far, wish I was this good with bets that come out of my own pocket
Another big win for Brighton tonight, preventing Ipswich from going top with a 3-2 win. Hopefully Hughton will be able to give the Goons some problems in the FA Cup on the weekend, but I doubt it. Weakened side, I'd have thought.
