Chris Hughton is the new manager of Brighton & Hove Albion, following the recent departure of Sami Hyypia.
Former Liverpool defender Hyypia was only appointed at the Falmer Stadium during the summer, but he resigned last week following a dismal run of just one win in 18 league matches. Such a sequence of results placed the Seagulls in the relegation zone, although caretaker manager Nathan Jones has since collected four points from two matches to lift them to 21st place.
Jones was in contention to be named permanent successor to Hyypia, but despite his good showing it appears as though the club have instead opted for Hughton. The 56-year-old has been out of work since being sacked by Norwich City in April, but has made no secret of his desire to get back into the game, and last week revealed his interest in the vacant position at Brighton.
It is understood Hughton has agreed a three-and-a-half year contract with his new employers, and he will be in charge in time for the forthcoming FA Cup third round clash at Brentford this weekend, a week before they return to league action at Charlton Athletic. His first match in front of his new supporters will come on 17 January, when the Bees will again provide the opposition.
Hughton began his coaching career as assistant manager at Tottenham Hotspur before leaving for Newcastle United. After a stint as caretaker manager of the Magpies he was given the job on a permanent basis in 2009, and led them to promotion to the Premier League in 2010. He then guided Birmingham City to the playoffs in 2011-12, before leaving for Norwich.
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