How has it all gone so right for Brighton and Hove Albion?

They may have spent big in the last year. Davy Propper, Jose Izquierdo and Jürgen Locadia have come in for over a combined £40 million. However, prior to securing Premier League status, their record signing was a £2.5 million deal for Craig Mackail-Smith.

If you look at their back five that’s drawn so much praise this season, they’ve largely kept faith with the players that got them promoted. This defensive fidelity has now been underscored by the summer arrival of goalkeeper Matt Ryan. The Australian ‘keeper is the only one of their back-line signings to have cemented their place.

Hughton knew, despite a sound defence, he would need to build his side around a creative in midfield. Beram Kayal impressed in the Championship but his injury forced them into the market.

Propper was signed from PSV Eindhoven but the real gem turned out to be Pascal Gross. The German had created the most chances (95) in the Bundesliga. Fast forward nine months and the former Ingolstadt man has been named Albion’s player of the year.

What’s next?

There’s little time to bask in the glory or wallow in despair in football as everyone wants to know what’s next.

It may be the off-season but the deck chairs and a stick of rock on Brighton pier won’t feature too heavily on Hughton’s list of priorities.

The former Newcastle boss will be looking to find ways to improve on the clubs 15^th placed finish.

He may now have a strike-force that is ready to drag Brighton through the hectic Christmas period.

However, Hughton will want to ensure centre-back Lewis Dunk remains at the Amex Stadium next season.

Putting together another strong defence coupled with a few midfield acquisitions and Brighton could just surprise people yet again.

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