Crooks likens the Brighton & Hove Albion manager to legendary ex Everton boss Harry Catterick.
Garth Crooks believes Everton should consider Brighton & Hove Albion’s Chris Hughton as their next manager.
Hughton, a long-time teammate of Crooks at Tottenham Hotspur, has led Brighton into the top half of the Premier League – in what is the club’s first season at that level since 1982-83.
It’s an achievement that looks all the more impressive when you consider that Brighton were 21st in the Championship when the 58-year-old took charge on New Year’s Eve 2014.
And writing in his Team of the Week column for BBC Sport, Crooks likens Hughton to the legendary former Everton manager Harry Catterick for the way in which he is respected by his players.
“Chris Hughton is doing such a fantastic job at Brighton it is almost an indictment that Everton have not approached him to fill their vacancy,” writes Crooks. “I have already recommended Sean Dyche for the post, but I can’t mention the Burnley manager without mentioning Hughton in the same breath.
“Hughton has, unlike Dyche, done the business at a number of clubs and is a conservative manager in the sense that he will not spend a chairman’s money recklessly.
“He is respected by players, in a way the great former Everton manager Harry Catterick was adored by his playing staff, and is perfect for a club like Everton.
“Remember Hughton has already handled a big club at Newcastle before being unceremoniously shown the door. Everton, unlike other clubs, don’t do flash and that is why Hughton is another excellent candidate.”
Everton are expected to make progress on their next managerial appointment during the break for internationals, having sacked Ronald Koeman a fortnight ago.
Former England boss Sam Allardyce is the current bookmakers’ favourite for the role, marginally ahead of Dyche.
Hughton, however, is not being deemed a contender despite his achievements at Brighton.
Should Everton consider Brighton’s Chris Hughton?
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