• Championship

Sami Hyypia takes Brighton job

ESPN staff
June 6, 2014
Sami Hyypia left Bayer Leverkusen in April © Getty Images
Enlarge

Sami Hyypia has been appointed as manager of Championship side Brighton & Hove Albion.

Hyypia, 40, joins Brighton having left Bayer Leverkusen in April after a poor run of form threatened their chances of qualification for the Champions League.

He replaces Oscar Garcia who resigned at the end of the season following a 6-2 aggregate defeat against Derby.

Hyypia is best remembered in England for a 10-year association with Liverpool which saw him make over 300 appearances and win two FA Cups, two League Cups, the Champions League and the UEFA Cup.

Brighton are believed to have considered a number of managers for the role before Hyypia emerged as a surprise candidate earlier in the week.

Real Madrid coach Paul Clement, Lyon coach Remi Garde, former Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood and ex-Newcastle and Norwich manager Chris Hughton were all linked with the position.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
ESPN staff Close