Brighton and Hove Albion have confirmed that Chris Hughton has left the club with immediate effect.

This has also seen the Assistants Paul Trollope and Paul Nevin also leave with their former boss.

The 60 year old’s position at the south coast outfit has been under pressure in recent weeks following a narrow escape from relegation.

Brighton finished 17th and have won just one game in their last eleven Premier League matches. They lost the final match of this campaign 4-1 to Manchester City.

Chairman Tony Bloom made an official statement regarding Hughton’s departure:

“Chris has done an excellent job over the past four and a half years. First stabilising 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.  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. “

The club have confirmed that the search for a new manager is already underway and will announce his successor in due course.