Former AshantiGold Sporting Club Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Frederick Acheampong, has said Chris Hughton was not the right fit to coach the Black Stars.
Acheampong’s comments come after Hughton’s dismissal following the disappointing performance of the Black Stars at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Ivory Coast.
Hughton, a former Premier League manager, signed a 21-month deal in March 2023 but saw his tenure cut short after only 11 months on the job.
Reflecting on the departure of the 64-year-old coach, Acheampong, an Executive Council member of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), revealed that, he was never in favour of Hughton despite media support.
“While the decision-making process involved everyone’s input, I was never in favour of Chris Hughton, despite the backing from the Ghanaian media,” he told Asempa FM‘s Ultimate Sports show.
“Even before Otto Addo’s appointment, there were concerns about Hughton’s suitability but the Football Association argued that Otto Addo, having worked with Milovan Rajevac, knew the team well. I suggested that if Hughton wanted the job, he should start as a technical adviser, gaining familiarity with the team before assuming the role later on.”.
He emphasized his stance, saying, “I never supported Hughton because I didn’t consider him suitable for coaching the Black Stars.”
Chris Hughton played 12 matches as Black Stars coach and won four, drew four and lost four.
Meanwhile, a five-member committee has been instituted to recommend a new coach to the Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).
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