Brighton on the Brink

Today could mark one of the great comebacks in the modern era. If Brighton & Hove Albion can win against Dagenham & Redbridge this evening they will achieve promotion to the Championship. Brighton fans must be pinching themselves as it appears that the nightmare of the last 14 years will be consigned to history with a new 22,500 capacity stadium at Falmer ready to host Championship football for the 2011-12 season.

New Amex Stadium - Copyright Clare Chapman

From surviving relegation to the Conference on the last day of the 1996-97 season at Hereford on goal difference to successive promotions and further relegation, including two seasons at Gillinghams' Priestfield Stadium, it's been a rocky ride for the Seagulls.

Brighton & Hove Albion originally submitted an application for planning permission back in October of 2001. When John Prescott got involved in 2005 it seemed the drama would finally end but an error with regard to car parking spaces in the revised application pushed the development back again, after a judicial review was forced by Lewes District Council, until work finally began in 2008.

Most Brighton fans and away supporters have never been happy with the Withdean Stadium. Supporters are too far from the pitch and the ground, an athletics stadium, is distinctly non-league, with only one permanent stand and not really suited to football. Credit then to the fans who continue to back their club in numbers and are finally about to receive their rewards. The team this season under Gus Poyet have performed consistently well. They have been in 1st place since going top of League One back on the 25th September and look unlikely to relinquish that position.

There is a lot to look forward to, the return of the 'derby' with Crystal Palace, plus games against Portsmouth and possibly West Ham. The new purpose-built football ground is a world away from the Withdean, its' striking design and modern facilities are sure to attract much bigger crowds and there is even the facility to alter the decor for the away fans section depending on which team is playing!

The Goldstone Ground 1976 - Copyright Steve Daniels

Everything appears to be in place for the good times to return for Brighton, increased expectations are inevitable and it is not beyond the bounds of possibility that a return to the top flight of English football could be on the cards in the near future. The last time Brighton graced the top division was 1983, their relegation coupled with their only appearance in an FA Cup Final.