Chris Hughton: 'Brighton & Hove Albion's spending is necessary'

Manager Chris Hughton has claimed that Brighton & Hove Albion have made the right decision in spending big money in the summer transfer window.

Brighton comfortably remained in the Premier League during the last campaign, but Hughton has opted to make eight first-team additions ahead of the new season.

The Seagulls also broke their transfer record to bring in Alireza Jahanbakhsh from AZ, but Hughton is comfortable with the changes which have been made to his squad.

The 59-year-old told talkSPORT: "We've probably broken the club's transfer record on six or seven occasions over the last couple of seasons, but it's just a consequence of where we are at the moment. We are not the only ones doing it.

"I think it's got to the stage now where even a club like ourselves, or maybe one a little bit more established in the Premier League – I suppose West Ham are one example – the figures are not such a surprise, it's just a consequence of where we are now. If you want to stay in the Premier League, you've got to be prepared to spend."

Brighton begin the new campaign with a trip to Vicarage Road to face Watford.