Hughton Plays Down Promotion

Last updated : 13 September 2015 By Footy Mad - Editor

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Brighton boss Chris Hughton played down suggestions that his side are emerging as promotion contenders after an early goal from Tomer Hemed extended their lead at the top of the Championship.

Hughton admitted he could not have envisaged that the Seagulls would have started so strongly, and felt their fifth win in six league games was a fitting tribute to those who lost their lives in the recent Shoreham Airshow disaster.

Albion honoured their groundsman Matt Grimstone and his Worthing United team-mate Jacob Schilt with a minute's applause before the game, and Hughton said:" A tribute can go two ways.

"It can draw you on and motivate you, and the way we started I would like to think that it inspired the players.

"It was a fitting tribute by the club and it was a fitting day; in particular for the two lads."

Brighton finished 20th last season and asked whether his new-look team could turn into genuine promotion contenders, former Newcastle, Birmingham and Norwich manager Hughton replied: "We wanted to be in a position where we could at least challenge to go up. That is still the case.

"We've made a tremendous start and I could not have envisaged it. I was hopeful we could challenge better. At the moment the margins are going our way.

"Just now we have fit players and good options, and we have continued the momentum following the international break."