Former Norwich City manager, Chris Hughton, has been appointed by Ghana Football Association (GFA) as the new technical adviser of the Black Stars of Ghana.
His appointment is coming on the heels when the West African country is preparing for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Hughton, who is born to a Ghanian father but a citizen of UK and Ireland, had visited Ghana on holiday with his family prior to this announcement. The Trumpet Gathered
According to the 63-year-old who played for the Ireland national team with 57 caps, he was unaware of the intricacies that led to his appointment.
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“Three days before I arrived the Ghana coach lost his job,” Hughton told Sportmail.
“I was visiting family, just relaxing. But I must have been spotted and a lot of people, particularly in the local media, presumed I was there for the job. It kind of grew and grew.
“They were discussing it on the TV and next thing my grandchildren were sending me stuff they’d seen on social media and asking why I hadn’t told them. I was relaxed about it. I knew it wasn’t true. But then over a period of time that all changed.
Hughton, however, admitted he has been in close contact with GFA due to his background.
He continued: “I do have a relationship with the association simply because of my background and I spoke to them while I was there.
“Would this have happened had I not taken that holiday? Very possibly. Ghana had a difficult AFCON (they finished bottom of their group) in January and wanted to improve quickly as they had a World Cup eliminator almost immediately. But the holiday certainly didn’t do me any harm.
“I will be taking my boots before heading to his trip abroad.
“I was involved against Nigeria but only really watched training. I will be more on the grass this time.
“Tactics and selection are one thing but there are other issues such as media work.
“I can help to take some of the pressure off with those things. I will be involved with the coach on tactics and the team we pick but he will have the final say,” Hughton added.
Hughton, who was the 49th manager of English Championship side Nottingham Forest before he was relieved of his duties on 16 September, 2021, will work with the coach of Black Stars, Otto Addo, to manage the team’s World Cup campaign in Qatar later this year.
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