Fans supporting the Seagulls in significant numbers

Brighton and Hove Albion fans will pack the Amex totoday (Saturday) to welcome Chris Hughton to the club for what is his first home game in charge.

The Albion are expecting a big crowd for today's game and the attendance could top the season's previous best of just shy of 29,000 against Fulham.

Brentford will bring close to 3,000 away fans to the Amex having sold out of their initial allocation and been given extra seats by the Albion.

The fact Seagulls fans are returning to the Amex should not come as a surprise. As well as boasting around 21,500 season ticket holders, the club has been backed by significant away followings in each of the last three games.

First Brighton took more than 3,500 fans to Fulham - with many sitting in the Craven Cottage neutral section - to see a Nathan Jones-inspired Seagulls clinch a welcome win, before another sold-out allocation of more than 1,600 saw Hughton take charge against Brentford in the FA Cup. Then, last time out, around 3,100 Brighton fans were at the Valley to see the Seagulls beat Charlton.

The club has also already sold more than 23,000 tickets for the forthcoming FA Cup tie with Premier League Arsenal.

There certainly appears to be a feel-good factor returning to the club and Paul Barber, the Albion's chief executive, is certain the fans have played their part in helping the team turn things round on the pitch.

He said: 'The support from the Albion fans over the last few weeks has been absolutely phenomenal.

'To see so many supporters making the trips to Fulham, Brentford and Charlton '“ especially at Christmas and New Year '“ has been incredible, and they certainly played their part in three great victories for the team.

'We are also expecting a bumper crowd for the visit of Brentford so hopefully the fans will create a terrific atmosphere to welcome him to the Amex.'

It is a sentiment which has been echoed by a number of players in recent weeks and Brighton's new manager has been suitably impressed.

Hughton said: "The support since I have arrived has been terrific. We sold out the allocation at Brentford last week in the FA Cup and again at Charlton and they have been outstanding. "The away support is excellent with how they have got behind the team, and now I am really looking forward to my first home game next week."