Sheffield Wednesday: Hughton pens new long-term Seagulls contract

Brighton manager Chris Hughton has signed a new four-year contract - just days after Sheffield Wednesday dashed the Seagulls hopes of promotion to the Premier League.
Chris HughtonChris Hughton
Chris Hughton

A draw at Middlesbrough on the final day of the regular league season saw Brighton condemned to third place in the Championship, when automatic promotion was tantalisingly close.

A painful play-off semi-final defeat followed at the hands of the Owls, meaning Brighton must try again next season to earn a place in the top flight.

And the ambitious Seagulls board members trust Hughton to lead the challenge, handing him a new deal that runs until 2020.

Brighton chairman Tony Bloom said: “Chris thoroughly deserves this new contract after such an outstanding season.

“There is no doubt he is one of the best and most skilful managers in the country and we are delighted to be going into next season with Chris at the helm and leading our club, as we aim to go one step further and realise our ultimate aim of reaching the Premier League.”

Brighton’s Play-Off elimination came on Monday night when a 1-1 home draw against Wednesday saw them knocked out 3-1 on aggregate.

It was a particularly cruel setback as Brighton had finished the Championship campaign 15 points clear of sixth-placed Wednesday.