Brighton and Hove Albion and their fans can now sit back and take a breathe after a memorable and historic season. It started with the sale of key players Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister, swiftly followed a pre-season tour on the east coast of America. Albion were then off to a blistering start in the Premier League and then enjoyed their first ever European nights in Marseille, Ajax and Athens. Albion’s season then spiralled after a humbling night in Rome. It saw Roberto De Zerbi’s mood change which ultimately saw the club and the head coach part ways following the final match of the season against Man United at the Amex Stadium last Sunday. Here’s 15 things I learned following the Albion this term...
1. Alexis Mac Allister
One of the best players in Brighton's history and a World Cup winner. Progressed his career superbly at Brighton under the careful guidance of Graham Potter and De Zerbi. Moved to Liverpool for an initial fee of £35m and has been excellent at Anfield this term. Blow for Brighton - the transfer fee was on the cheap side - but a move was inevitable. Photo: Mike Hewitt
2. Brighton in America
If anyone had any doubt about the global reach of the Premier League, this pre-season tour should've solved that. Brighton were part of a summer series that took in Atlanta, New Jersey and Philadelphia against top flight rivals Chelsea, Newcastle and Brentford. This picture shows Brighton vs Brentford at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on July 26, 2023. It proved a successful tour for Albion, helped increase their profile in America and helped the likes of Jack Hinshelwood, who featured at right back - which proved extremely valuable for the season ahead. Photo: Kevin C. Cox
3. A hatful of goals
Brighton started their Premier League season with a 4-1 home win against Luton Town thanks to strikes from Solly March, Simon Adingra, Joao Pedro and Evan Ferguson. A great start to the campaign - De Zerbi-ball was in full-flow and boosted optimism for the season ahead. What could go wrong? Photo: Mike Hewitt
4. Europa League draw
September 2023 brought the surreal moment of Brighton in the hat for the Europa League draw in Monaco. It did not disappoint either as the Seagulls prepare to take-off for Ajax, Marseille and Athens. Albion went on to top Group B, despite losing the first group match to AEK Athens at the Amex. Incredible memories for Albion fans who witnessed their take take on some of the giants of European football. Photo: NICOLAS TUCAT