Sussex

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In the final part of our Q&A with BBC Radio Sussex's Johnny Cantor, he looks at the part Evan Ferguson might have to play this season.

Paul asked: Why has Ferguson not had more time to impress, only coming on late in matches? At least give him one game.

Johnny replied: Evan has had a long time out and the club will want to integrate him back gradually. The head coach sees him in training every day so is probably the best judge and things have been pretty good so far with the side in sixth.

An injury to Danny Welbeck may offer more him more opportunities, but he is very different to the other strikers at the club so can certainly offer something across a long season.

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BBC Radio Sussex's Johnny Cantor was asked about Pascal Gross and the impact he had on Brighton after signing in 2017.

Derek asked: Has a player ever been more deserving of the standing ovation that the Amex gave to Pascal Gross against Tottenham? It made me feel proud of my hometown team and the supporters to be so appreciative of his efforts for Brighton.

Johnny replied: In a word, no! He has been the standout contributor for the club in the Premier League era. The stats don't lie - but he also set the standard by his professionalism, determination and dedication.

I would argue he was one of the best - if not the best - value signing in the Premier League for any club in the past seven years at just £3m.

It was great to see the fans give him the reception he deserved.

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In the second part of our Q&A with BBC Radio Sussex's Johnny Cantor, he was asked whether Brighton's player model, which has seen them buy young talent and sell on for huge profit, is viable as they continue to push for consistent European football.

Nick asked: Has the club's philosophy of buying largely unknown talent and making them into top players taken them as far as it can in the search for silverware? Tony Bloom and co made a significant departure from their previous approach this summer by spending about £200m. Will we see them chasing big-ticket and high-profile signings moving forwards?

Johnny replied: I wouldn't say so. I think the search for silverware goes on at full force. That may well be a cup competition, but the Seagulls have reached two FA Cup semi-finals recently - and were the better team in one - and have arguably a stronger squad now.

On recruitment, we have seen a few more established and higher-profile players come in (Diego Gomez could well be another in January), but the underlying strategy will continue. Brighton do not do 'big ticket' - it is about value.

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Our Brighton expert Johnny Cantor assesses whether Albion can ever realistically compete for a top-four spot with how they currently operate?

Matt asked: With Brighton's model, do you see them challenging for one of the Champions League spots in five years' time?

Johnny replied: The challenge remains huge for so many teams trying to break into the elite group, and that will continue.

Any potential changes to financial regulations may have an impact, but a well-run club full of high-performing individuals on and off the pitch gives you a chance - even if it is a relatively small one.

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Over the course of Wednesday, BBC Radio Sussex's Johnny Cantor will be answering your questions about Brighton. In the first part, our expert looks at Albion's realistic aims for the season and the style of play new boss Fabian Hurzeler is implementing.

Charlie asked: Thoughts about the start of the season, Johnny? What can we aim for - do we dare dream of Europe?

Johnny replied: It has certainly been entertaining! A refresh is always tricky - with a few ups and downs - but, in time, things should be more settled.

I think Europe is the clear target but I would also say many things have to align for that to happen.

Hurzeler has inherited a very good squad, with some excellent additions, but injuries may have an impact.

The loss of Matt O'Reilly was a blow and as we wait to see the extent of injuries to Joao Pedro, Jan Paul van Hecke and Adam Webster, there could be a big strain on certain players in key positions.

Download and subscribe to the Albion Unlimited podcast on BBC Sounds to get up close to Brighton's players and management

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Sam asked: Will Hurzeler will stick with the high line? If so, will it work well or are we lucky to be sixth?

Johnny replied: Hurzeler has been asked about it and he refers to it as an "active" line rather than a high line.

Without getting too technical, he sees it as a holistic approach to dominating the game, and I think he will stick to his principles.

Lucky to be sixth? Results are what they are. I do, however, think the next batch of games could give a truer picture of the progress under the new head coach as Manchester City and Liverpool beckon.

Let's see where they are after 15 matches.

A new episode of BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited is now available to download and listen to on BBC Sounds.

Former Brighton defender Paul Reid discusses the dramatic comeback victory over Tottenham, memories of the Withdean and the importance of local players.

And hear from BBC Radio Newcastle commentator Matthew Raisbeck joins the pod to chat Yankuba Minteh, Eddie Howe and the Magpies' injury issues before the Seagulls' trip to St James' Park on Saturday.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds