Brighton rock

I had an email last night from a mate who was on the pitch at The Withdean delirious with delight and telling me that he was off to Walsall Saturday to see “us win the title.” Lucky bugger.

In each of the past four seasons Swansea, Leicester, Norwich and now Brighton have each shown what it takes to get out of this league and not get out by the skins of their teeth, but by truly playing their way out of this black hole of a division.

I am pleased for Brighton, any true football fan should be. This season they have been very consistent, played an excellent passing game under a great manager, who took only half a season to assess his players, bring in some leaders and transform them. Yes, I know I’m having the same dreams as you.

I often pass their new stadium at Falmer and it looks terrific. It is 14 years since they lost their Goldstone Ground (photo) thanks to the ineptitude and irresponsibility of a club chairman and they’ve had far too many years in the wilderness playing first 75 miles away at the dreadful Priestfield and then the Withdean, possibly one of the least atmospheric grounds in the country. West Ham fans take note.

Apart from the joint apathy of the stripey nigels, us and Brighton have long had a mutual understanding. It was in February 1997 that seven coach-loads of Addicks showed up at the Goldstone for what was called Fans United. The season before our very own Gritty amazingly kept them in the League after they were banging loudly on the Conference door. The Seagulls were 11 points adrift at the bottom of Division 3 (nee 4) when Gritt walked into the ground.

Many players have played for both clubs. Alan Curbishley, Garry Nelson, John Robinson, John Humphrey come straight to mind, and I have some good memories of Brighton away days (I missed Charlton’s 7-0 thrashing in 1983!). I have gained many Brighton mates over the years, one of whom is in Chicago, so I for one am very pleased for the Seagulls.

I’ll hasten to add though, that when pushed on the potential title trip to Walsall Saturday my mate dropped into the conversation that Saturday would be their 3rd league title and fourth promotion in 10 years. It’s hard to be too pleased!