1. Our league position
There are only 27 clubs above us whilst 60 are below us. 8th in Championship, three points of the play offs etc
2. We are in The Championship
What a great league with the likes of Leicester, Wolves, Bolton, Forest, Birmingham, Leeds etc etc all of which are Premiership type clubs in stature. We are no longer playing Wycombe, Chersterfield, Port Vale and Gillingham.
3. We have an exciting, competitive squad.
We may not win every game but we start every game knowing we have a chance and even the losses and draws have been mostly exciting to watch. We have had more shots on goal this season than any club in the Championship and conceded less goals than anyone.
4. Our Manager
We have one of the most promising young Managers in the country. He is dedicated (3 years of service and going strong), passionate (3-3 away against a virtual premiership Wolves would have satisfied many other Managers) and good players want to play for him.
5. The Fans.
Highest average attendance in the Championship and an excellent away following. No, we are not the biggest club in the land by any means and never will be but we have potential and we are starting to show it.
6. BHA: The Business
We are solvent and well managed. That should mean more than anything to all BHA fans. We are blessed by a Chairman who is a genuine fan and has been able and prepared to invest. Invest big but also wisely. There is more than the transport system that is sustainable at The Amex.
7. Brighton is still a Community Club
As attendances, league positions etc increase it is inevitable that some communication between fans and club goes a little awry. But strip away the petty gripes about pie queues and I doubt the mutual respect between 'The Club' and ' The Fans' (and vice versa) is greater or stronger at any club. Moreover Albion in the Community goes from strength and thousands of kids in Sussex have contact with players, coaches and staff through their work in schools, after school clubs etc.
8. The Amex
Even if we hadn't had 10 years at Withdean it would blow your mind! The Goldstone wasn't that great in the later years and The Amex would have been an impossible dream even then. Every time I walk into the stadium I can't quite believe it - this is OUR HOME!!
9. We are NOT in the Premiership
Ok, not everyone will agree with this but at the very least there's no hurry! We are competing in the Championship and competing well. Personally I'm not fussed about getting hammered every weekend in the Premiership. Maybe our time will come but if it does I suspect it will be best for us if that's a little way off. In the meantime I'm enjoying the football that we've got. The grass is rarely greener on the other side.
10. The Future
Unknown of course but there definately is one ( and there were times this was seriously in doubt for our club). In fact it could be very bright and very exciting but above all it could be sustainable and long term. Good management on and off the pitch, a decent capacity stadium with a fan base to fill it, serious investment in training and youth facilities in the pipe line, etc.
So, fellow Albion Fans, be happy ; VERY Happy!
There are only 27 clubs above us whilst 60 are below us. 8th in Championship, three points of the play offs etc
2. We are in The Championship
What a great league with the likes of Leicester, Wolves, Bolton, Forest, Birmingham, Leeds etc etc all of which are Premiership type clubs in stature. We are no longer playing Wycombe, Chersterfield, Port Vale and Gillingham.
3. We have an exciting, competitive squad.
We may not win every game but we start every game knowing we have a chance and even the losses and draws have been mostly exciting to watch. We have had more shots on goal this season than any club in the Championship and conceded less goals than anyone.
4. Our Manager
We have one of the most promising young Managers in the country. He is dedicated (3 years of service and going strong), passionate (3-3 away against a virtual premiership Wolves would have satisfied many other Managers) and good players want to play for him.
5. The Fans.
Highest average attendance in the Championship and an excellent away following. No, we are not the biggest club in the land by any means and never will be but we have potential and we are starting to show it.
6. BHA: The Business
We are solvent and well managed. That should mean more than anything to all BHA fans. We are blessed by a Chairman who is a genuine fan and has been able and prepared to invest. Invest big but also wisely. There is more than the transport system that is sustainable at The Amex.
7. Brighton is still a Community Club
As attendances, league positions etc increase it is inevitable that some communication between fans and club goes a little awry. But strip away the petty gripes about pie queues and I doubt the mutual respect between 'The Club' and ' The Fans' (and vice versa) is greater or stronger at any club. Moreover Albion in the Community goes from strength and thousands of kids in Sussex have contact with players, coaches and staff through their work in schools, after school clubs etc.
8. The Amex
Even if we hadn't had 10 years at Withdean it would blow your mind! The Goldstone wasn't that great in the later years and The Amex would have been an impossible dream even then. Every time I walk into the stadium I can't quite believe it - this is OUR HOME!!
9. We are NOT in the Premiership
Ok, not everyone will agree with this but at the very least there's no hurry! We are competing in the Championship and competing well. Personally I'm not fussed about getting hammered every weekend in the Premiership. Maybe our time will come but if it does I suspect it will be best for us if that's a little way off. In the meantime I'm enjoying the football that we've got. The grass is rarely greener on the other side.
10. The Future
Unknown of course but there definately is one ( and there were times this was seriously in doubt for our club). In fact it could be very bright and very exciting but above all it could be sustainable and long term. Good management on and off the pitch, a decent capacity stadium with a fan base to fill it, serious investment in training and youth facilities in the pipe line, etc.
So, fellow Albion Fans, be happy ; VERY Happy!
