[Albion] On this day - Millennium Stadium

[Superphil]

21 years ago today apparently. To this day still my favourite Albion watching moment when we won the play off final. I know people talk a lot April 17 2017, and European nights overseas in 2023, but for me what happened in the 03/04 season resulting in promotion in Cardiff is, to this day, my most cherished memory of 45+ years of supporting Brighton.

 

[Weststander]

I recall that sunny weekend like yesterday, we stayed in Cardiff the night after the win to be able to relax. A contrast to open/tiny Withdean, it was awe inspiring to see the blue hordes on the giant sweep of the stadium, did we take 32,000? My MOTM was Cullip, he expertly won everything against their highly rated forwards.

 

[BN9 BHA]

 

[Flounce]

My most cherished memory is the final whistle at Hereford. The most emotional, both good and bad, that I have ever felt at a football match

Unlikely that the highs since would have ever happened without that result.

 

[Thunder Bolt]

We went on the Seagulls Special from Hove station, ostensibly dry, but was overflowing with booze on the way home.

 

[AK74]

That was a good day out:

 

[The Fits]

I loved that game. It felt incredible to be there with so many people after years at the Withdean.

 

[Insel affe]

21 years ago today apparently. To this day still my favourite Albion watching moment when we won the play off final. I know people talk a lot April 17 2017, and European nights overseas in 2023, but for me what happened in the 03/04 season resulting in promotion in Cardiff is, to this day, my most cherished memory of 45+ years of supporting Brighton.

A very good day out, it was another turning point in our rise, to the summit.
My abiding memory of the day was, wow we are back, the sun was shining, it was great to see so many Albion fans, despite some Bristol City fan taking a swing at me for no reason, magical day. The match was a very meh, and I thought any other game a draw was a fair result, but our Leon stepped up...

 

[Denis]

Funnily enough, I was clearing out my wardrobe yesterday morning and found the T-shirt commentating the match, also the John Prescott post card.

 

[Harold]

Great day. We organised 2 coaches from Hastings via Eastbourne. Poor game of footy but our after Swindon legs our name seemed on it that season. Major part was the emotional uplift of seeing so many of our fans together. The clubs unrealised potential was tangible and added to the excitement of Falmer coming together.

 

[Bozza]

Sorry - I've just had to delete a photo posted by @AK74.

Usage rights for professionally shot photos are one of the biggest risks to NSC. I know people want to share great photos, but if they're professionally shot then sooner or later the rights holder will come after NSC for their fee, and this is typically many hundreds of pounds per photo.

However, I do have access to an image library through one of NSC's partners, and I've just been scrolling through some photos of that day, some of which I'm posting to Facebook later - it's sitting in my scheduler for 9:54 this morning.

One thing that caught my eye in one of the crowd shots is how, on that fantastic day, we were still campaigning for what we now know to be the Amex...

 

[The Fits]

Did we all get one of those flags? I definitely had one. Wonder where it is

 

[AK74]

Sorry - I've just had to delete a photo posted by @AK74.

Sorry @Bozza.

If it’s any crumb of comfort, the photo was from The Argus. I doubt they’ve got anyone competent enough on their staff to hassle you for unsanctioned usage of a 21 year old photo, but I take your point, and won’t transgress again.

 

[Seagull on the Hill]

Sorry - I've just had to delete a photo posted by @AK74.

Usage rights for professionally shot photos are one of the biggest risks to NSC. I know people want to share great photos, but if they're professionally shot then sooner or later the rights holder will come after NSC for their fee, and this is typically many hundreds of pounds per photo.

However, I do have access to an image library through one of NSC's partners, and I've just been scrolling through some photos of that day, some of which I'm posting to Facebook later - it's sitting in my scheduler for 9:54 this morning.

One thing that caught my eye in one of the crowd shots is how, on that fantastic day, we were still campaigning for what we now know to be the Amex...

View attachment 202982

I remember taking one of those banners.
If my memory is correct I collected it from @the Henfield One's house.

 

[Bozza]

Sorry @Bozza.

If it’s any crumb of comfort, the photo was from The Argus. I doubt they’ve got anyone competent enough on their staff to hassle you for unsanctioned usage of a 21 year old photo, but I take your point, and won’t transgress again.

Nope - the Argus have been in touch recently.

 

[TWOCHOICEStom]

I remember the "who are ya?" chants for the poor Bristol City fans who parked on the wrong side of town and had to walk through the sea of blue and white before the game.

Then a father and his young son walked through in their red shirts. Nobody said a word except one albion fan who go right in the face of the bloke "WHO ARE YA WHO ARE YA". But when when he saw the little lad holding his Dad's hand behind him immediately switched to the nicest, most apologetic man I've ever seen in my life, bent down, said hello to the kid and wished them well!

 

[Harry Wilson's tackle]

I recall that sunny weekend like yesterday, we stayed in Cardiff the night after the win to be able to relax. A contrast to open/tiny Withdean, it was awe inspiring to see the blue hordes on the giant sweep of the stadium, did we take 32,000? My MOTM was Cullip, he expertly won everything against their highly rated forwards.

Yes I remember stepping out into the arena and seeing it half full of Albion and found I had something enormous in my eye.

 

[Gwylan]

One of my abiding memories of that game is ordering a pre-match round of drinks in Welsh - a first at an Albion game. Not sure when I'll get the chance to repeat it

 

[Harry Wilson's tackle]

View attachment 202978

I remember that. Also the ungracious oafish behaviour of some of their entitled supporters after the game.
I still keep an eye out for the Robins, just to reassure myself they are still in a division below us. Twats.

 

[Bozza]

I was living in central Bristol at the time.

After the game, in jubilant mood, I was dropped off near home complete with my large Albion scarf (still on its pole), and an even larger one that was tied round my neck and I was wearing as a kind of cape.

I lasted about 30 seconds before I was abused and then chased back to my flat!