5 managers who could replace Chris Hughton at Brighton & Hove Albion

The Premier League season finished less than 24 hours ago and the division already has its first managerial casualty of pre-season.

Brighton and Hove Albion announced this morning that they had parted ways with their long-time manager, Chris Hughton after a terrible run of just three victories in the second half of the campaign saw them narrowly avoid relegation and a return to the Championship.

Hughton has done an exceptional job on the South coast, and the club will have to think long and hard about finding a replacement for the popular figure.

The names that have already been thrown into the hat make for some interesting reading, and the club will want to make sure they get the right man to help them avoid another tight relegation battle in the 2019/20 Premier League season.

With that in mind, let's take a look at five managers who could fill in Hughton's sizable boots at The Amex Stadium.

---

#5: David Moyes

Could David Moyes make a return to the Premier League?

Big David Moyes has not been seen in management since leaving West Ham United last Summer, and the former Manchester United and Everton boss could fancy a return to the English top flight next season with Brighton.

Moyes would bring years worth of Premier League experience to the club and could help guide them to safety, which will be their key aim, next season.

Whether Moyes is keen to get back into management right now remains to be seen, and if he were to suffer a relegation with the Seagulls, then it may not do his dwindling reputation any favours in the long-run.

Moyes' reputation took a serious hit when he was relegated as Sunderland manager back in 2017, and despite doing an okay job with West Ham last season, he may no longer be seen as the calibre of manager that a Premier League club would want to appoint.

#4: Laurent Blanc

Laurent Blanc would be a statement of intent

If Brighton are really looking to make a statement of intent for the coming season, then appointing former PSG and France manager, Laurent Blanc, would do exactly that.

The Frenchmen is, surprisingly, one of the early names being touted for the job and his wealth of experience would no doubt help to keep Brighton stable in the Premier League for the coming years.

It was only this season that Blanc was being linked as a possible replacement for Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho, and his appointment would be seen as one hell of a coup for the South-Coast club.

The biggest factor with Blanc would no doubt be money, and if Brighton are looking for a cheap option, then Blanc will certainly not be it.

The fact that he has not been in management for three years, however, could mean that he will be more willing to bend for a potential position.

#3: Gary Rowett

Gary Rowett will be looking to redeem himself after a tough time at Stoke

Gary Rowett's recent run as Stoke City manager didn't exactly work out as planned.

Having been successful as Derby County manager the previous season, Rowett's move across the Midlands was expected to see him secure promotion for The Potters and finally get himself a shot at Premier League management.

However, it wasn't to be, and having suffered a terrible start to the season, Rowett left the club in January and was replaced by Luton Town's Nathan Jones.

Despite this, Rowett has an otherwise excellent managerial record, having had successful runs as Derby, Birmingham and Burton Albion manager in the past.

While he may not play the prettiest football, he is exactly the kind of manager who could help keep a team in the Premier League and he would no doubt be a cheaper option than many on this list.

A year ago, this would have been seen as an excellent appointment, but given his run at Stoke, a lot of Brighton fans may be underwhelmed with this one.

#2: Phil Neville

Phil Neville has impressed with the England Women's Team

Looking at the early odds for the Brighton Job, one name that immediately jumps out is that of Phil Neville. The former Manchester United and Everton star is currently the manager of the England International Women's team, taking on the role just over a year ago in January 2018.

Neville has done an excellent job in charge of the team, leading them to victory in the SheBelivesCup last Summer, getting revenge against Japan, the team who knocked them out of the 2015 World Cup, in the process.

Neville will be taking his team to the World Cup this Summer, and if he is victorious, then he will no doubt be high on the list of a lot of clubs, so perhaps Brighton are just wanting to get in there early.

His appointment would also grab the headlines, though, there would no doubt be some scepticism from fans of the club.

#1: Graham Potter

Graham Potter has impressed at Swansea City

Within minutes of Chris Hughton's dismissal being announced, Swansea City manager, Graham Potter was placed as the instant favourite for the Brighton Job.

Potter, a veteran player of the English Football League, rose to prominence as manager of Swedish club, Östersunds, achieving great success in his eight-year tenure at the club. He then moved to Swansea City last season.

While Swansea failed to make the playoffs this campaign, ultimately finishing 10th in the division, Potter's side have been notable for their stylish approach to the game, and they also made headlines when they made the quarter finals of the FA Cup, losing out 3-2 to a cruel goal from Sergio Aguero having earlier led the Premier League Champions 2-0.

Potter has zero Premier League experience, but he would certainly be an interesting appointment and one who would re-establish Brighton's identity on the pitch, and make them one of the more exciting times to watch in the bottom half.