Hughton: Tottenham’s new home is the most incredible stadium
Brighton & Hove Albion's Lewis Dunk (left) appear dejected after the final whistle during the Premier League match against Spurs at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (pic: John Walton/PA Images). - Credit: PA Wire/PA Images
The Spurs legend was left crestfallen at full time after his Brighton team lost late on, but was able to take in the ground before kick-off
Coventry City goalkeeper Les Sealey dives in vain as Tottenham Hotspur's Chris Hughton scores at White Hart Lane in the FA Cup during the 1980/81 season (pic: PA Images). - Credit: PA Archive/PA Images
The pain was written all over Chris Hughton’s face after Christian Eriksen smashed home from outside the area to break Brighton & Hove Albion hearts and give Spurs a vital win in their pursuit of a top-four finish in the Premier League on Tuesday.
No Tottenham Hotspur fan would have been happy to see the Seagulls leave N17 with a point, but even the most ardent of supporters would have felt for the away manager.
Hughton is a Spurs legend - there is no doubt about it – and he should be inducted into the club’s hall of fame in the not too distant future.
Yet his Brighton side need results and are in a precarious position in the table, three points ahead Cardiff City, who occupy the final spot in the relegation zone.
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It was not pretty from Albion in the capital, but for long periods it was effective and it looked they would earn another crucial point.
However, Eriksen, like he often does, conjured up some magic and gave Tottenham a 1-0 win following his 88th-minute strike.
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When Hughton faced the media post-match, he immediately admitted heartbreak was the emotion everyone at Brighton was feeling.
I was therefore slightly apprehensive to ask him about Spurs’ 62,062-seater, but given his status at the club, felt it was important to get his take on the Lilywhites new home.
After taking a second to gather his thoughts, Hughton’s affection for Tottenham could be clear for all to see.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino (left) and Brighton & Hove Albion manager Chris Hughton shake hands after the final whistle of the Premier League match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (pic: John Walton/PA Images). - Credit: PA Wire/PA Images
He may have endured a terrible end to his first visit to this ground, but he knows there will be many special nights for the club back in N17.
“It is the most incredible stadium, there’s no doubt about that,” Hughton told this title. “I think for those who have waited as long as they have for it this season, it has been well worth it and I am quite sure there will be some brilliant nights here. The stadium is exceptional.”
Spurs will hope they can enjoy one of those special evenings next Tuesday when Ajax visit in the Champions League for the semi-final second leg.
The last time Tottenham won a European trophy was back in 1984 and Hughton was part of Keith Burkingshaw’s side which triumphed over Anderlecht in the two-legged final of the UEFA Cup.
He played every single minute of the two games – including extra-time – and got his hands on the trophy at White Hart Lane following Tony Parks’ memorable spot-kick save.
After making close to 400 appearances for the club, winning three cups along the way and spending over a decade as a coach in N17, Hughton is a Tottenham legend and all at Spurs should wish him luck for the rest of the season.
