Would have been a terrible choice here. We needed a manager who was in charge, who demanded things were done his way and that Ashley got out of his way. Hughton was not and is not that kind of manager. He's in a great situation where he is, smallish club with a good playing staff and sound infrastructure that have high but realistic aims, he probably would have left if we came knocking but it would have been a mistake for both parties. If Rafa had of said no, I've no doubt the current incumbent down the road would be wearing a black and white tie now, that could have been a close shave.
Rafa was probably the only man who would come here with the stature to be able to demand what needed to be done. As much as I love Hughton he would have been hamstrung with the restrictions from above.