Chris Hughton: 'We are over playoff disappointment'

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Chris Hughton has said that his side can benefit from their disappointment in the Championship playoffs last season.

After featuring in the top six throughout the campaign, Brighton lost to Sheffield Wednesday in the semi-finals but they have started the new season by claiming four points from games against Derby County and Nottingham Forest.

Friday's 3-0 win over Forest has taken the club to the top of the standings, and Hughton has suggested that he is confident that his players can remain high up in the table for the foreseeable future.

The 57-year-old told Sky Sports News: "I hope [we can reproduce last season], we've got a group of lads whose disappointment of missing the playoff final went quickly, because it has to.

"I think they have got over it. They'll be as enthusiastic this season as they were last season. But it's a tougher division.

"I think we've got a little bit more know-how on the decision and how to play the division, but sometimes it comes down to the ability to keep clean sheets.

Brighton are next in action when they host Rotherham United on Tuesday night.