Brighton may still be pushing for automatic promotion but how will Chris Hughton fare without his right-hand man?
Brighton & Hove Albion defender Bruno has admitted to the club’s official website that the departure of former assistant manager Colin Calderwood to Aston Villa is a “big loss” to the promotion chasers.
Despite working with Seagulls boss Chris Hughton at four different clubs, the former Nottingham Forest manager caused quite a stir when he departed the AMEX Stadium to take up a similar role with Steve Bruce at Aston Villa last week.
Hughton, who had enjoyed varying degrees of success alongside the 51-year-old at Newcastle, Norwich and Birmingham, admitted to the BBC that he was disappointed with the decision, an opinion mirrored by right-back Bruno in the aftermath of Friday’s 1-1 draw with Calderwood’s new employers.
“It’s a big loss for us. He was so popular, but we are looking forward now and wish him the best of luck,” Bruno told the club’s official website.
“He’s experienced and knew the league a lot. His character is very positive and it’s a big loss, but we have to move forward.
“Everyone was surprised, and we didn’t expect this, but it’s life. These things happen and everyone has their reasons.”
The BBC reported that a key factor in Calderwood’s exit had been the shorter commute from Villa Park to his hometown of Northampton, but that will not soothe the bitterness of Brighton supporters.
The reaction varied from disappointment to exasperation, with Calderwood swapping the high-flying Seagulls for a side comfortably entrenched in mid-table.
However, with Villa spending huge sums to rejuvenate their squad in the summer, and their unbeaten start since Bruce’s arrival continuing, it would take a brave man to bet against a new-look side staying in the second tier for too long.
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