Chris Hughton has hailed Paul Nevin’s link-up with England as a “strong indication” of the Football Association’s desire to increase the number of black and Asian coaches in English football.
Brighton head coach Nevin will work alongside England boss Gareth Southgate during next month’s matches against the United States and Croatia as the FA places BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) coaches in all national squads.
Brighton manager Hughton – a former Republic of Ireland defender born in London’s Forest Gate to a Ghanaian father and an Irish mother – praised the latest FA initiative as a positive forward move.
“I think it’s a really good step,” said Hughton.
“What we want in the game, and I think what the game wants, is more inclusion in the game, and we speak about a lack of black and ethnic coaches, particularly at the top end.
“And I think the game wants that, so any initiative or push that can be a positive, I think will be a positive.
“The FA spoke about this a while back, and to see that come into place now, I think not only at senior level but at the other levels as well, it’s a real strong indication of what the FA want to do. And I’m really delighted with it.”
Former England defender Sol Campbell will link up with Aidy Boothroyd’s England Under-21s in November, while Terry Connor, a former Ipswich assistant, will join Boothroyd’s set-up for this month’s clashes with Andorra and Scotland.
Hughton hailed Nevin for his determination in forging a successful coaching career, praising the former Fulham and Norwich coach for taking on stints in New Zealand and Qatar to progress through the ranks.
“I’m pleased all-round for this football club, but mostly for Paul, who’s somebody that has managed and coached for a long time and has a lot of experience,” said Hughton.
“But of course it’s great from the FA too, for seeing this through having talked about it a while back.
“Paul has a lot of experience, has coached and managed at all different levels, has a thirst for knowledge and has had to go out of his way, he’s coached abroad, showed a real dedication to want to coach and manage and be part of that environment.
“He’s had to make sacrifices, we’re delighted to have him here.
“I’ve known him a long time, we worked together at Norwich as well, and with all of it, I’m delighted.”
Brighton will host West Ham at the Amex Stadium in Friday night’s Premier League clash, with Jose Izquierdo fit and Dale Stephens facing a late fitness test.
“We now go through a period of games now where two of the next three games are at home, and what we have to be able to do is in that period, capitalise as and where we can,” said Hughton.
“West Ham have hit form, and that’s no surprise – it was only going to be a matter of time for them.
“But we know what we have to do to get results against any team, and we have to get back to those types of levels.”
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