AFTER GUIDING BRIGHTON and Hove Albion to Premier League promotion, and a return to the top division of English football for the first time since 1983, Chris Hughton has been named the Philips Sports Manager of the Month for April.
The former Ireland international was also named the League Managers Association’s Championship manager of the season last night.
The 58-year-old took over the reins at Brighton halfway through the 2014/15 season and quickly made an impact as he saved the club from relegation before last season narrowly missing out on promotion.
There would be no such heartache this year, however, as Hughton presided over Brighton’s automatic promotion-winning season and his achievements have been duly recognised.
He beat off stiff competition from Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez to land last night’s accolade, and became the only manager to win an award whose team didn’t win their respective league.
Meanwhile, the Philips Sports Manager of the Month awards are open to Irish manager, trainers or coaches, or overseas-born managers of Irish teams.
The twelve monthly winners are then in contention for the overall Philips Sports Manager of the Year award, which has been won by Stephen Kenny, Martin O’Neill and Joe Schmidt in the last few years.
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
