Would Chris Hughton’s last three teams be better off with or without him?

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Brighton & Hove Albion boss Chris Hughton has done a phenomenal job at the Amex, and his history in management is certainly an interesting one.

For the longest period of time people have been underrating Chris Hughton as a manager. Ever since his days with Newcastle United, the now 58-year-old hasn’t really been given a fair crack of the whip which is seen by many as a result of his supposed lack of personality. Well personality or not, you cannot deny his abilities as the man in charge as these three teams can either confirm or deny.

Newcastle United

Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez during the press conference

Things are going pretty well right now at St James’ Park under Rafa Benitez, similar to how they were going under Chris Hughton before his surprise sacking. The London-born boss was dismissed with the Magpies sat 12th in the Premier League table, and not many people could understand. Considering they’re back down in the Championship, perhaps they should’ve put more trust in Hughton for atleast another twelve months before bringing in someone like Pardew.

If Brighton beat Newcastle to the Championship title, there would be further argument that Newcastle were wrong to get rid of him.

Birmingham City

Birmingham City manager Gianfranco Zola during the press conference

Much like with Newcastle, Hughton did a stellar job with Birmingham City by leading them to the group stages of the Europa League in addition to the semi-finals of the Championship play-offs. After leaving St Andrew’s for Norwich, the Blues would never quite get as close to returning to the Premier League as they did under the Seagulls boss. Hughton is definitely missed at the club considering there are uncertain times ahead with Gianfranco Zola at the helm.

Norwich City

Norwich manager Alex Neil

Alot of Canaries supporters ended up calling for the head of Hughton by the end of his tenure at Carrow Road, which is odd considering they weren’t actually in the relegation zone at the time. Following a successful first season during which he guided the club to 11th, Norwich were lying in 17th after a poor run of results when he was sacked. Whilst their position was certainly questionable, he probably should’ve been given the chance to turn things around. Who knows, maybe he would be there to this day as opposed to the under pressure Alex Neil.