What will make 2025 a successful season?
- Published
Despite a run of seven games without a win, the focus remains for Brighton to secure European football for only the second time in the club's history. The Seagulls' board, the players and the fans have all had a taste - and are keen for more.
Steady progress has been the strategy but sustained success becomes more difficult in such a competitive environment.
The owner invested heavily to recruit players last summer, so expectations are high, and the club would arguably be better equipped for another European campaign. After all, their first foray on the continent was hampered by injuries to key players at key moments, but the squad has more depth now.
A finish in the bottom half of the table may not be seen as failure but more of a disappointment. The club has traditionally given coaches the time and space to work, but Fabian Hurzeler will be aware he will be judged on results.
Away from the Premier League, the club has reached the FA Cup semi-finals twice in the past seven years and so the quest for silverware is more realistic than ever.
Another good run in the competition is not the top priority, but it provides a huge opportunity to reward the fans and write a new chapter in the club's history.
