BRIGHTON MAKE PREMIER LEAGUE HISTORY AFTER CONFIRMING CHOICE FOR NEW MANAGER

Brighton have made history after naming Fabian Hurzeler as their new manager, with the 31-year-old replacing Roberto De Zerbi.

Hurzeler has become the youngest Premier League manager ever and several of Brighton's senior players, including James Milner, Danny Welbeck and captain Lewis Dunk, are older than him.

The previous record holder was Chris Coleman, who was 32 when he took charge of Fulham back in 2003, while Ryan Mason was just 29 when he took interim charge of Tottenham after Jose Mourinho was sacked in 2021.

Hurzeler said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be the new head coach of Brighton & Hove Albion. “After speaking to Tony, Paul and David, it was clear that they are highly ambitious. The club has a unique history and bold vision for the future, so I am truly excited to be part of the project.

“The club has made incredible progress over the last few seasons and the aim is to continue building on that success. I am relishing the opportunity to coach in the Premier League, and I can’t wait to meet the players, staff and, of course, the fans.”

Chairman Tony Bloom added: “From the start of the process to appoint our new head coach, Fabian was always a standout candidate and one who had caught our attention with his exceptional work at St Pauli over the past eighteen months.

“He has a style of play that aligns with how we want a Brighton & Hove Albion team to play, and I’m confident it is one our supporters will appreciate and enjoy. Fabian also has an excellent coaching pedigree and has worked with the German federation at various age group levels. We are really excited to start working with Fabian to prepare for the upcoming season.”

Born in America, Hurzeler has impressed as manager of St Pauli and guided them to the Bundesliga 2 title last season. Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna was the early frontrunner to replace De Zerbi, but he ultimately signed a new deal to remain at Portman Road.

De Zerbi left Brighton at the end of last season, having spent two years in charge at the Amex Stadium. "I am very sad to be leaving Brighton, but I am very proud of what my players and staff have achieved with the support of everyone at the club and our amazing fans in the past two historical seasons," he said.

"We have agreed to end my time at Brighton so that the club and I can continue to work in the way that suits each of us best, following our own ideas and visions, as well as our work and human values.

"I have really enjoyed an intense and challenging two years working in the Premier League , not least competing in four major competitions this season. Leaving now provides me with time to take a break before deciding on my future plans."

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

2024-06-15T16:10:36Z dg43tfdfdgfd