ALBION boss Chris Hughton says he is thrilled to be receiving an honorary degree from the University of Sussex but admits he wasn’t the best at studying.

Chris, who took over the Albion hotseat in December 2014, said: “It is a huge honour and something I certainly didn’t expect.”

But reflecting on his time as an apprentice, he added: “It was very average. My pathway was different.

I qualified as an engineer so I had four years on an engineering apprenticeship from 16 to 20 before I became a full-time player at Tottenham.

Average

I am one who is used to studying but, in all honesty, I would have been an average student in my school.

It is very humbling and, when I was told, I was surprised.”

Chris succeeded Sami Hyppia and has taken the Seagulls from relegation candidates in the Championship to 13th in the Premier League in the club’s second season in the top flight.

He added: “I know the structure (of universities) because I have children and family members who have gone through degrees and university.

I know what it means and I know, for those who pick up degrees, how hard they have to study, some for three years and some for additional years and all the hard work that goes into it.

“I am conscious of all of that so to be included in that group of youngsters is very humbling and feels very rewarding. It is very much for the achievements of a lot of people.

“It feels like I am receiving it on behalf of a lot of people and , in particular, this football club.”

The Seagulls are back in action on Saturday as they bid to progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup. They will be favourites to win although it could be a tough task against high-flying Championship outfit West Brom.