CHRIS HUGHTON was left “disappointed and surprised” by his dismissal from Brighton after keeping them in the Premier League.

Hughton, 60, led the Seagulls to the Premier League in 2017 and the team reached the FA Cup semi-finals this season, losing to eventual winners Manchester City.

However, after a torrid second-half of the season saw them win three of their last 23 games, Brighton made a move just 24 hours after the final day of the season.

In a statement released by the League Managers Association, Hughton thanked the staff but didn’t hide his disappointment with how the situation unfolded.

“I was hugely disappointed and surprised by the decision that was made to end my time with Brighton and Hove Albion FC,” Hughton said.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my four-and-a-half years managing this special football club. I would like to put on record my gratitude to my coaching staff, the players, fans, everyone connected to the club and the wider community of Brighton & Hove and wish them luck for the future.”

The LMA praised Hughton for the way he transformed the club during his near five-year stay and what he achieved in the top-flight.

“Chris’s impressive tenure has been inspirational for his peers in the game,” said LMA chief executive Richard Bevan.

“He has helped transform Brighton & Hove Albion, from fighting relegation to League One, to competing with the best teams in the world and retaining Premier League status for yet another season.

“This season, he again proved his managerial ability in also leading his team to the semi-final of the FA Cup for only the second time in the club’s history.

“He continues to be a tremendous role model for young managers and coaches in the game.”

Brighton announced the hiring of Graham Potter on Monday as Hughton’s replacement.