Brighton boss Chris Hughton says his sacking by Newcastle made him a better manager.

He has always been reluctant to comment on his controversial exit from St James' Park but broke that vow of silence ahead of today's reunion with Ashley.

Hughton said: “From the moment I left I have very rarely spoken about it and have always wanted to look forward.

“What I have done is used that as really good experience, the three years I had there, and it was not all as a manager.

“I certainly feel it has made me a better manager."