The club's hierarchy want him to promote from within, with Peter Beardsley and Steve Stone among the names mentioned ... but Hughton is adamant the appointment will be his.
Chris Hughton: "At this moment, it is my decision on who comes in as my number two, and all I am doing is just making sure I do the correct homework I need to do.
"It is one that I wanted to bring in as soon as possible, but I need to make sure I bring in the right person.
"That will be my decision."