Hughton refuses to set points target for automatic promotion for Albion

Chris Hughton has again refused to set a points target to see Brighton & Hove Albion clinch automatic promotion to the Premier League - with last season's heartbreak still on his mind.
Brighton boss Chris Hughton. Picture by Phil Westlake (PW Sporting Photography)Brighton boss Chris Hughton. Picture by Phil Westlake (PW Sporting Photography)
Brighton boss Chris Hughton. Picture by Phil Westlake (PW Sporting Photography)

The Seagulls boss has declined to comment numerous times on what he thinks will see his side finish in the top two this season.

Albion missed on second place last season after a final-day 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough, who were promoted on goal difference as a result.

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The Seagulls’ 89-point haul would have won them the Championship title in three out of the five seasons leading up to 2015-16.

While in the ten seasons before that, teams have needed at least 86 points to seal automatic promotion to the Premier League.

And with the promotion battle hotting up, Hughton has continued not to reveal a target of what he feels will take his side up to the top-flight.

He said: “We got 89 points last season and normally that’s enough for automatic, I think it’s probably going to be more than that.

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“But setting a points target? No. I could tell you one now and it could be completely different.

Hughton has agreed though that this is the strongest Championship he can remember, adding: “I think it has had to be as with Derby, Villa and Norwich, they are three clubs that everybody expected to be in the top six. I think we have all probably benefited form that.

“For the teams up there, to be ahead of the three I have mentioned, they have really had to up their game. I have been really impressed by some sides, Huddersfield, Reading, Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds have been strong this season.”