Hughton expects tough season

Birmingham City have brought a quick end to their managerial hunt, hiring Chris Hughton just 10 days after Alex McLeish's shock resignation, where he ended up at rivals Aston Villa.

The former Newcastle United manager, seen to have been treated harshly by the owners of his previous club, steps in to the role and admits it will be difficult to gain promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking.

Despite their relegation, the League Cup winners now find themselves facing a hectic domestic schedule, along with a potentially long Europa League campaign, their reward for Wembley success back in February.

The ex-Spurs assistant, dismissed from White Hart Lane along with then manager Martin Jol back in 2007, was hailed for his achievements at St James' Park, where his Newcastle side comfortably won the Championship, before being sacked despite a stable start to life back in the Premier League.

Hughton admits however there will be a need to balance the books at St Andrews, with several players possibly leaving the club this summer. Names rumoured to be heading for the exit door are Ben Foster, Roger Johnson and Scott Dann.