The management of Brighton and Hove Albion football club has sacked Chris Hughton as manager after they finished the season in the 17th position, one place and just two points above the relegation zone.

Hughton was appointed the manager of Brighton, who were beaten 4-1 by the title-winning Manchester City on Sunday in December 2014 and guided them to survival in the Championship six months later.

He swiftly transformed the club into promotion contenders, finishing third in his first full season before losing out in the play-offs. He then secured automatic promotion for the club a year later.

A statement issued on Monday morning by the Tony Bloom, the Chairman of the club said Assistant manager, Paul Trollope and first-team coach, Paul Nevin have also been relieved of their duties departed.

“Chris has done an excellent job over the past four and a half years. First stabilizing our club, reaching the play-offs in his first full season, securing our first-ever promotion to the Premier League and retaining our status in two successive seasons.

“Undoubtedly, this has been one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make as chairman of Brighton & Hove Albion but ultimately one I have made due to how we struggled in the second half of the season.

“Our run of 3 wins from 23 Premier League matches put our status at significant risk. It is with that in mind and the performances during that period, that I now feel it’s the right time for a change.

“Chris will always be very fondly remembered by Albion staff and fans as one of our club’s finest and most-respected managers.

“I would like to wish Chris, Paul and Paul, who have all worked extremely hard throughout their time here, every success for the future and thank them on behalf of everyone at the club.

“They will always be welcome at the Amex, and will be remembered here with great affection,” Bloom said in the statement.

The club further disclosed that the process to find a replacement for the 60-year-old Hughton was underway, adding that there will be no further comment at this stage.