Albion have agreed a new four-year contract with boss Chris Hughton.

Hughton’s new deal will run until June 2020 and has been described as “thoroughly deserved” by chairman Tony Bloom.

It follows a season which saw the largely unfancied Seagulls break their points record in the Championship and go agonisingly close to promotion.

Hughton’s efforts won him the LMA Championship manager of the year award.

Bloom said: "Chris thoroughly deserves this new contract after such an outstanding season.

Chris Hughton has impressed Tony Bloom and Paul Barber

“He has done an exceptional job since he took over as manager on New Year's Eve 2014.

"He secured our safety in his first five months in charge, and has instigated an outstanding turnaround in our fortunes on the pitch.

"He has overseen the building of a squad of which we are immensely proud and one which has delivered a season to remember for our fans.

“He also has led the club off the pitch too, at important and difficult times, and we are very proud to have him as manager of Brighton and Hove Albion.

"There is no doubt he is one of the best and most skillful managers in the country and we are delighted to be going into next season with Chris at the helm and leading our club as we aim to go one step further and realise our ultimate aim of reaching the Premier League."

Hughton still had two years left on his previous deal at the Amex.

His new contract is likely to come as a timely pick-me-up for Albion fans proud of their team’s season – but deflated by its conclusion.

Albion chief executive Paul Barber highlighted the great respect for Hughton within the club and throughout the game in general.

He said: “Chris has been an absolute pleasure to work with for me and for everyone at the club.

“He is hugely respected by the board and our staff and I am absolutely delighted he has committed his longer term future to the club.

“Chris' football knowledge and managerial ability is first class and he is one of the most-respected figures in English football.

“I echo the chairman's comments when I say we are very proud of Chris’ achievements this season, and we are delighted to have him as our manager."