S U S S E X
By Laurence Elphick
Photograph: Paul Hazelwood
Brighton and Hove Albion
Well, it was good while
it lasted wasn’t it?
I can’t remember
a season so
tantalisingly near but
yet so far? Yes you
can say that its been
close before, especially
having been in the Play off semi finals
twice in recent seasons, (losing to Palace
and Derby!) and again this time against
Sheffield Wednesday, but with a last day
of the season trip to Teeside two seasons
in a row to play Middlesbrough (don’t
get me started on conspiracy theories!),
only to see the boys fall at the last hurdle,
it certainly felt harder to take this time.
Especially when you consider that the
points total of 89 in 4 out of the last 6
seasons would have been enough for
promotion - Brighton only lost out on a
goal difference of two and one can easily
say “what if we hadn’t conceded the
injury time equaliser against Burnley in
the 2-2 draw” or, “what if we had scored
that penalty in the 0-0 draw at Wolves/not
conceded late equalisers against Derby
and QPR away in consecutive games or
that last minute goal by Bolton back in
September!?” But these things balance
out over the course of the season…don’t
they? Our 2-1 victory at Forest with a late
Steve Sidwell winner, when a draw would
104
have perhaps been a fairer result springs
to mind and there are others, but let’s not
dwell on what might have been otherwise
this could turn in to a rant!
With the Seagulls having the 2nd best
away record in the division needing that
final day win at the Riverside Stadium
where the hosts (Middlesbrough) had the
best home record in the Championship, I
suppose a draw was inevitable…despite
the hugely controversial sending off of
Dale Stephens by referee Mike Dean (let’s
not talk about that anymore!). Brighton
fans can be hugely proud of what the
Albion achieved this season. If you’re
not convinced, just remind yourself of
where we were last season, hovering
precariously over the Championship
relegation trap door in to League One.
Step forward Chris Hughton. What an
amazing turnaround, so with CH at the
helm and a boat load of fervent optimism,
let’s look forward to next season…four
or five new players over the summer
including (hopefully) a certain return of
Glen Murray up front will help, personally
I can’t wait for the trips to Newcastle and
Aston Villa!
My choice for Player of the season
seemed to be shared by many, midfielder
Beram Kayal. A combative influence that
seem to always be in the right place at
the right time, it was the steel, guile and
composure in midfield that had been
missing. However I also need to include a
special mention for the goalkeeper, David
Stockdale who was imperious between
the posts and on many occasions there
is no doubting he was responsible for a
point when we deserved none, or three
when we only deserved one. Defender
Bruno had a stunning season at right
back as well, the Spaniard exuding class
that was on a different level at times and
of course, top scorer Tomer Hemed. The
Israeli born striker finished the season
with 17 goals, but let’s not forget the
Player who arguably made the difference:
Anthony Knockheart, the former Leicester
player brought a sublime touch combined
with pace and trickery when he signed in
the January transfer window and quickly
became a firm favourite with the fans….
were any of his five goals simple tap ins?
I think not. Talking of goals, how about
THAT Goal of the season, a 30 yard volley
from Jiri Skalak against QPR? Perhaps
rivalled by Bobby Zamora’s volleyed goal
at the end of a lightning quick counter
attack in the 2-1 win against Huddersfield
Town, together with Manchester United
loanee James Wilson’s goal against
Charlton when he went past three
defenders before firing in a low shot into
the net.
What was the game of the season?
Arguable I know, but the 3-2 win over
Charlton Athletic (after being 2-0 down)
with two goals in the last seven minutes
and the first half dismantling of Leeds
United (4-0) springs to mind, as does that
display at home to Sheffield Wednesday
in the play off semi finals - the best
atmosphere I’ve experienced at the Amex,
but unfortunately Lady Luck had decided
it wasn’t to be our time despite the fact
we could have been 4 or 5 nil up at half
time! Maybe she thought we’re not ready
to go up yet because she didn’t want us
to come straight back down again the
following season!?
For me the most memorable experiences
of the season came away from home,
2-1 at the aforementioned Forest match
(there’s nothing like celebrating a last
minute winner!). The 2-1 victory at Leeds
in October was a special afternoon, with
a late, sumptuous chip from Zamora
signalling bedlam amongst the visiting
masses, plus who can forget the 2-1 win
at MK Dons in front of 7000 Albion fans
with the home side missing a penalty in
the last minute!
As long as we can hold onto Hughton
and most of the squad then I’m looking
forward to August already. If next season
is anything like this one, we’re in for a real
cracker of a roller coaster ride. Just make
sure you hold on tight!