Brighton sack manager Chris Hughton after 4-1 home defeat to Manchester City

Premiership club, Brighton and Hove Albion have sacked manager Chris Hughton after the club suffered a 4-1 home defeat to Manchester City on Sunday.

The defeat, which left them in 17th-place finish in the Premier League also gave Manchester City their second Premier League titles in a row.

Brighton chairman Tony Bloom said in a statement on the club website:

'Chris has done an excellent job over the past four and a half years.

'Undoubtedly, this has been one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make as chairman of Brighton, 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.'