Sussex

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Danielle Sarver Coombs

When it comes to our love for a football club, the answer to why we do lies in "both psychological and societal" reasons.

In the first part of her chat with BBC Sport, researcher and co-writer of the Routledge Handbook of Sport Fans and Fandom Danielle Sarver Coombs spoke about the part that identity and tradition play.

And yet when we are caught up in the emotions of a tough defeat or nerves of an important match, we can often ask why we put ourselves through it.

"There are psychological processes at work and physiological ones in terms of how we respond and engage," Sarver Coombs said.

"An example that I always give is when I take the train to work, I go past Arsenal's stadium and I feel literally nothing other than: 'Oh, that's a big building'. Whereas on a train to Manchester, I went by Villa Park and my heart started pounding. I got all excited and was trying to take pictures out the window.

"I had a visceral reaction to this place. We can't pretend we don't have that sort of physical reaction because we do.

"When someone is talking about a controversial decision and I feel myself getting wound up, even though I intellectually know that I can't control it and that it's just a game, my body doesn't know that.

"My gut doesn't know that and so I have this really emotional response and we can't control that."

A 2023 book titled 'Football on the brain: why minds love sport, external' suggests it comes down to 'an understandable and logical consequence of the human mind's natural inclination to find meaning through beliefs... It's a religion as far as the brain is concerned'.

But it not just about what is going on inside the mind but outside influences too.

"There is a sociological element to it because the community part is such a huge driver and benefit for us," Sarver Coombs explains.

"Sociologically, we are driven to be part of communities. We are driven to find our groups that we can be members of. Sport provides a way to do that - this sense that I was chosen to be part of this community and it's something bigger than I am."

As the game expands, unrest among supporters seems to be increasing, but how does that impact this ingrained love for a club?

"You always go through these cycles when the game is changing," Sarver Coombs said.

"Despite all the changes, the traditions remain so strong and it's such a huge draw that it becomes really hard to actually separate yourself from it. Even if you do, it tends to be a short-term separation. You get sucked back in because something happens.

"People don't want that change, but then we adapt to it and continue moving forward."

Browse this page to see lots of fan stories for how you fell in love with your club.

And check out those from other Premier League teams over here

Image source, Getty Images

At the fan forum on Wednesday, one supporter kept his question simple: Why do Brighton always sell their best players?

Albion chief executive Paul Barber replied: "The reality is that pretty much every club in the world is a selling club at the right price - anyone that says any different doesn't really understand football.

"Our business model has always been that we will buy young players, hire the best coaching staff to develop them, give them the chance to play in the first team and negotiate the best possible deal when the time is right.

"We will build our club sustainably like that. We can't always rely on Tony [Bloom] to fill in the gaps and usually at a club, the only gaps are financial gaps. We have to build a club on its own two feet, that is less reliant on a single person to pay the bills.

"In order for a club of our size to do this, we need to have a healthy trading strategy and we have got one. The key is to make sure to never leave our coaching staff with a squad incapable of competing. That is what we try and do every year and I think we are getting the balance right.

"There are times where we want to keep a player for longer, but players also have demands and dreams for the future. The job that Tony, I and the technical staff have is to judge the right moment to sell, which is sometimes not that easy."

Listen back on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

During Brighton's pre-season fan forum on Wednesday, club chairman Paul Barber was asked about the rumours surrounding Carlos Baleba.

Manchester United are interested in the 21 year-old who has three years left on his contract at Amex Stadium.

"There's always going to be interest in our players." Barber said. "Manchester United have not been in touch with me. Speculation is speculation."

"Carlos is a fantastic talent. We hope he'll be here for years to come - but its subject to the dynamics of the football world, which isn't always predictable."

Listen back on BBC Sounds now

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United are on the lookout for someone who could strengthen their midfield and skipper Bruno Fernandes has called for new signings.

And they like Carlos Baleba.

The problem is Brighton's desire to sell, which is non-existent, and owner Tony Bloom's negotiating tactics. Hard line.

That is not to say United could not get Baleba - it is just that it would cost an enormous amount of money, probably in excess of anything United have spent so far this summer.

It is not obvious where the money would come from, because even if they can sign Benjamin Sesko without selling players first, eventually they will have to.

And it would take more than getting rid of the 'bomb squad' which even the club accepts is likely to be later in the window.

The key point is whether United look for an alternative or keep their powder dry for Baleba, either in case circumstances change dramatically in this window, or, more likely, for next summer.

Manchester United have contacted Brighton through intermediaries to explore a potential move for Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba, 21. (Athletic - subscription required), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

Join us live from Amex Stadium at 19:00 BST on BBC Radio Sussex and BBC Sounds for a special Albion Fans' Forum.

Hear from head coach Fabian Hurzeler, chief executive Paul Barber and BBC Radio Sussex's Brighton commentator Johnny Cantor as they take questions from the audience and discuss the season ahead.

Listen now on BBC Sounds

This week, we are asking you to share your stories and photos for why you fell in love with Brighton.

Here is a selection of your submissions:

Matt: The love affair began in November 1994, as I first stood in the North Stand for Reading at home. I remember we lost 1-0 when Nicky Rust was chipped in the far corner! The result was not important as I got swayed around in the stand and enjoyed the chants and that was it - the Albion for life. To this day, home and away, it is engrained into my life! Roll on Fulham.

Terry: My dad used to work at Clark's bakery across the road from the Goldstone. I was 10 when he took me to my first match in 1971 and we won. I was hooked and have followed the Albion ever since.

Best players ever have been Peter Ward, Mark Lawrenson and Brian Horton. They would still hold their own in today's team. Watched Teddy Maybank and Robert Codners' debuts but the less said about them, the better. More success to come!

Send us your pictures and stories here

Image source, Getty Images

Brighton have confirmed the return of Bjorn Hamberg to the club as under-18s head coach.

The 40-year-old Swede previously served as a first-team coach under Graham Potter during his time at the Amex, before following Potter to Chelsea and later taking up an assistant head coach role at Dutch side Feyenoord.

Hamberg now rejoins the Seagulls in a key role within the academy set-up to help guide the next generation of talent through a crucial stage in their development.

Academy manager Ian Buckman said, "We are absolutely delighted to welcome Bjorn back to the club. He is a popular figure with players and staff who aligns with our vision and values for the development of our young players.

"Bjorn brings outstanding knowledge and experience having worked at Premier League and Champions League level, and he will undoubtedly impact our scholars through this key period of their development."

Johnny Cantor
BBC Radio Sussex reporter

Image source, Getty Images

To the majority of supporters, quite rightly what happens out on the pitch is the most important part of following a football team - the elation and the agony.

Sometimes, however, what happens when a group of people come together in an hour of need gives us an insight into the fabric of an organisation.

Saturday, 22 August 2015 was a day, unfortunately, I will never forget.

As I prepared to broadcast the Seagulls' game against Blackburn Rovers I could never have imagined what would unfold. It was certainly the most challenging of my broadcasting career.

That afternoon, 11 people were killed when a Hunter jet crashed into the A27. Among the victims was Matt Grimstone, who had worked for the club since he was 16, going back to the Withdean years. Another, Jacob Schilt, who was a fan and featured in the club's charity team, was travelling with Matt on their way to play for Worthing United in a local game.

The club immediately turned its training ground into a hub for the emergency services due to the proximity of the centre to the crash site. Support was given to those on the frontline dealing with the immediate aftermath of the crash. Professional councillors were made available to players and all staff to help deal with a very difficult situation.

Following that, tributes and dedications were made across Sussex but the way Brighton, led by Tony Bloom and Paul Barber, provided support for everyone internally and externally epitomises the way it prioritises its role within the community.

Brighton did the same during lockdown, allowing the stadium to be used as a vaccination centre.

There are countless examples of how they always focus on communication and perspective.

Excitement is building before the club's ninth season in the Premier League, but the 10th anniversary of Shoreham is also just a few weeks away. When the day comes, I am sure we will all take a moment to reflect.

One thing is for sure, the club will do the right thing, in the right way.

Join the conversation and tell your story about why you love Brighton

Opta's Supercomputer has once again predicted the upcoming 2025-26 Premier League season by using a model to simulate every match 10,000 times.

Image source, Opta

It is not yet clear if the team that finishes fifth in this season's Premier League will secure a Champions League spot again as that outcome depends on how representatives performance in Europe this season.

Therefore, based on needing a top-four finish to reach the Champions League and fifth getting the Europa League, Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea are favourites again, but there is still plenty of hope for others.

Aston Villa agonisingly missed out on Champions League qualification on the final day, but in almost a third of simulations they do force their way into a top-four spot this time around.

Newcastle's focus may be on trying to keep star striker Alexander Isak, but currently the Supercomputer predicts the Magpies to finish sixth most often, and a top-four finish in 29.9% of simulations.

Meanwhile, after Crystal Palace's strong end to last season brought a first major trophy, the Eagles are given more than a one-in-five chance of a top-four finish. They manage that achievement in 21.6% of sims, ahead of rivals Brighton (16.8%).

In their second season under Fabian Hurzeler, Brighton are predicted an eight-placed finish in the majority of sims.

The Supercomputer ranks Bournemouth (10.1%) and Nottingham Forest (8.9%) as outside shouts for European football this season.

Perhaps surprisingly, Brentford are predicted to have a strong season despite losing Thomas Frank and key players Bryan Mbuemo and Christian Norgaard - with Yoanne Wissa also looking likely to exit.

If as many as seven or eight Premier League clubs can qualify for Europe next season, the door could be open for a surprise team to sneak in.

Read Opta's full Supercomputer breakdown here, external