I think the perception from them is largely based on his first season.
I'd be happy with him as an addition and hopefully it's a sign we'd be more progressive in our play as he'd not particularly suit a defensive direct style.
His first season was blighted by sleep issues which needed councelling.
I just do not subscribe to the bollocks about Hughton being a defensive manager; his record in the EFL suggests anything but that:
09/10 Newcastle won the league scoring 90 goals
11/12 Birmingham 4th scoring 78 goals
15/16 Brighton 3rd scoring 72 goals
There is no question that his usual modus operandi is to get an organised, settled defence; that is something every decent manager does - they do that because they know that forwards win you games and defences win you trophies, and it has always been thus.
As far as our attacking play goes, Hughton had to cut his cloth accordingly last season; our main/only forward threat was injured for two spells and badly out of form for most of the games he played in; the player brought in to challenge him was found to be worse than useless, and that is being generous.
I appreciate that some people do not understand why, or just ignore the fact, but without a forward capable of holding the ball up and bringing other players into the game, your attacking options are seriously restricted; the impact this has when you play with a solitary forward can be devastating, as we witnessed last season.
Attacking midfield players will not commit to running into space around or in advance of the forward because they know they will be isolated should the forward give the ball away cheaply.
Full backs face the same problem; they just will not commit to getting forward for fear of being stranded.
The two centre backs then camp out on the edge of their own area because they know the ball is coming straight back; why bother pushing up?
I am certain we will see a rejuvenated Grabban next season but the number one priority has to be getting competition in for the forward spot.
We need someone who is going to act as a central pivot who can get defenders out of their comfort zone and get our attacking players into threatening positions.
Hughton will be fully aware of what he needs and he has another 79 days to get those players