Brighton & Hove Albion

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  1. Thank you for your feedbackpublished at 09:14 31 May

    Premier League club graphic

    Thank you for the feedback you submitted on the Premier League club pages.

    Our aim is to contain all of the BBC's in-depth coverage of that team in one place, so it is helpful to hear from you - you are who the pages are for after all.

    We are going through all your responses and will take suggestions on board for next season.

  2. What needs to happen in the transfer window?published at 12:49 30 May

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    Brighton promotional image

    The transfer window opens on Sunday - albeit for 10 days initially, mainly so sides competing in the Club World Cup can get early business done - before reopening for the rest of the summer on 16 June.

    Are there certain players you are desperate for Brighton to sign, or an area of the squad that needs improving? Or maybe holding on to a key player is your biggest priority.

    And what about sales - who needs to go?

    So over to you... what names need bringing in and shipping out?

    Let us know here

  3. What if... the season started in January?published at 11:32 30 May

    Nicola Pearson
    BBC Sport journalist

    Graphic showing 2025 calendar year table top six:

Pos Team              P     GD  PTS
1	Man City	19	22	40
2	Liverpool	20	17	39
3	Arsenal	        20	16	38
4	Aston Villa	19	10	37
5	Newcastle	19	10	34
6	Brighton	19	  6	34

    As the dust settles on the 2024-25 Premier League season, we have been taking a look at some of the alternative ways the the table could have finished...

    A Premier League season can sometimes be a tale of two halves.

    Some come flying out of the blocks, while others are more sluggish starters.

    The busy Christmas period can be a turning point with the arrival of the January transfer window feeling like a fresh start.

    So what might have happened if the league season only start on 1 January?

    Well, Pep Guardiola's title-winning machines would have picked up their fifth Premier League trophy in a row.

    Playing one game fewer than actual champions Liverpool - who secured the title with four games remaining - they would have finished one point clear of the Reds, not withstanding Arne Slot's side slowdown in form after sealing the title.

    City always seem to come good after January, but this time it was not enough to outweigh the torrid time they had from late autumn.

    The rest of the top six is not too dissimilar to the final placings, although in this case, Aston Villa would have secured Champions League football and Brighton a Europa League spot in the absence of Chelsea - whose form nose-dived at the very beginning of the year.

    And while the new year is a new start for some, it is less so for others.

    That was the case for many of those down the bottom of the league.

    The relegated trio would still have been relegated and Manchester United and Tottenham would still have ended up in the bottom six. West Ham find themselves one place lower after Wolves picked up form under Vitor Pereira.

    So what does this tell us? If you wan to achieve your Premier League ambitions, it is about making sure you are there for nine months and not just from January.

    *Table data from Football365

    2025 calendar year table bottom six graphic showing:

Pos Team             P     GD  PTS
15	West Ham	19	-4	20
16	Man Utd	19	-5	20
17	Tottenham	19	-14	14
18	Leicester 	19	-27	11
19	Ipswich   	19	-31	7
20   S'oton            19	-33	6
  4. 'If everyone was fit, there is no telling where we would be'published at 12:31 29 May

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    Brighton fans celebrateImage source, Getty Images

    We asked for your views on our fan contributor Scott McCarthy's end of season scorecard (27 May, 12:42 BST).

    Here are some of your comments:

    Olly: With a young squad and manager in his first season in the Premier League, along with the injury list, it has been a successful season, although frustrating dropping points from winning positions and not doing well against sides that were relegated. The experience of this season bodes well for next.

    Noddy: Albion's biggest obstacle was the many injuries we suffered all season. If everyone was fit there is no telling where they would be now. Most probably in the Champions League.

    Adam: Many Brighton fans will be used to drama. There are not many seasons when we can say Brighton were average. However, there were times when we dropped crucial points in the latter stages of games when we were in complete control. So it's definitely a case of what could have been, rather than what it has been - and don't get me wrong, we are very grateful for our second-best finish. It just didn't quite hit the European bullseye we were all hoping for. Instead, we hit the middle of the board and bounced out again. Roll on next season!

    Brian: Overall a good season - we failed to reach the European places due to inconsistency and in particular losing points at the Amex to relegation candidates. A good experience, though, for a young squad for whom I'm sure greater things await. However, time to say goodbye to a great servant of the club, Lewis Dunk.

  5. Hurzeler 'has been a revelation' published at 10:54 29 May

    Fabian Hurzeler for Brighton and Hove Albion Image source, Getty Images

    Former Brighton player Warren Aspinall believes head coach Fabian Hurzeler has passed his first Premier League season 'with flying colours'.

    The 32-year-old is the league's youngest permanent manager and behind Chelsea, named on average the second youngest squad in the division.

    "I think he's been a revelation, at the age he is to come to a different country and a different league," Aspinall told BBC Radio Sussex's 'Albion Unlimited' podcast.

    "First time in the Premier League - he doesn't know the pace of the league but he soon found out. He's come to a different country with a different culture. Lots of things going on and he didn't have many background staff with him to start off with.

    "We've had little dips and things and I think the big dip for me was losing in the FA Cup when we lost 4-3 on penalties [to Nottingham Forest in the quarter-final] and that deflated us quite a lot.

    "So it was a tough season for him but he's come out with flying colours."

    Listen to the full chat here

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  6. When will the 2025-26 Premier League fixtures be released? published at 08:21 29 May

    The Premier League trophy with BBC's Ask Me Anything brandingImage source, Getty Images

    The BBC's Ask Me Anything team have done all of the research ahead of the announcement detailing next season's Premier League matches.

    The fixtures for the 2025-26 season will be released at 09:00 BST on Wednesday, 18 June 2025 and the release will include the weekly schedule of all 380 matches.

    The season will begin with a single fixture played on Friday, 15 August 2025 and conclude on Sunday, 24 May 2026, when all matches will be played at 16:00 BST. There will be 33 weekend rounds of fixtures, plus five midweek rounds.

    The exact date and time at which individual matches are played during each weekend will be determined at regular intervals throughout the season, based on TV selections made by broadcasters.

    Read the full article here

  7. Your Brighton player of the seasonpublished at 16:54 28 May

    We asked you to select your Brighton player of the season from the four candidates chosen by our fan contributor.

    And with the poll now closed, we can reveal the winner is... Jan Paul van Hecke!

    Here's what Scott McCarthy from We Are Brighton, external said about him:

    Van Hecke has been the one constant at the heart of the defence this season. Rattled through more partners than Henry VIII had wives, yet nothing has fazed him. Will surely succeed Lewis Dunk as captain... presuming he breaks the curse of not leaving within months of winning the club's official player of the year award.

    See the final poll breakdown

    Jan Paul van HeckeImage source, Getty Images
  8. What does the future hold for Mitoma?published at 12:07 28 May

    Kaoru Mitoma of Brighton & Hove AlbionImage source, Getty Images

    Japanese football journalist Masatoshi Mori believes Kaoru Mitoma should stay in the Premier League amid interest from Bayern Munich.

    Mitoma, 28, has been heavily linked with a move to Germany in the summer. This would offer him Champions League football, with Brighton missing out on European competition for next season.

    However, Mori believes the standard in the Premier League compared with the Bundesliga is better for Mitoma.

    Speaking to BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast, he said: "If Brighton had got into Europe, I think Mitoma would definitely have stayed. He's such an ambitious player, but Brighton has the same kind of ambition.

    "He has never spoke about a transfer, and I've asked him before about Champions League football being attractive. He just passed it off, laughing.

    "I have to say that Mitoma believes Premier League football is really good for him. Going to the Bundesliga and playing for Bayern Munich is massive, but I don't know if that's the best choice for him.

    "We will have to wait and see. I've always thought the Premier League is the hardest league for Japanese players, but Mitoma has changed that.

    "In the final game against Tottenham, he looked like the best player on the pitch. I personally want him to play in the Premier League a little bit more."

    Listen to the full chat here

  9. Brighton show promise under Hurzeler in a season of transitionpublished at 10:01 28 May

    Johnny Cantor
    BBC Radio Sussex reporter

    Brighton expert view banner
    Brighton players celebrate against Tottenham Image source, Getty Images

    Fabian Hurzeler deserves huge credit for securing the club's second-highest Premier League finish in his first season in charge.

    A points tally of 61 was only one shy of the campaign that delivered Europa League football under Roberto de Zerbi with help from Graham Potter. The lack of European football next season will be a frustration, but it is not the only target for this club.

    When the 32-year-old arrived, he stated he wanted to "challenge the establishment", and in terms of league position, he came very close. At times, the Seagulls bloodied a few noses with some stand-out performances, securing wins over both this season and last year's champions along the way. Hurzeler continues to strive for consistency, and that has been difficult to achieve for a host of reasons.

    Astute business and big-name sales allowed huge investment last summer, but Hurzeler has been hampered hugely by injuries to new signings Matt O'Riley and Ferdi Kadioglu as well as dependable Solly March and the experienced James Milner.

    Adding that to several shorter absences from regular key first-team players, he did not name the same starting XI in any Premier League game this season.

    The style has evolved, but the high-intensity football is clear to see. Goals have not been a problem with three individuals making double figures for the first time.

    Defensively, the team has looked slightly suspect at times, but the stats are skewed by that 7-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest. Ironically, that loss sparked a brilliant run, and that has been the story this season.

    The good results have come in streaks, finishing the campaign with 13 points from a positive 15. Away from the league, the defeat in the quarter finals of the FA Cup also hurt, especially when arch rivals Crystal Palace, went on to lift the trophy.

    As with the past five or so seasons, the next challenge is to deal with inevitable interest in the star performers. Joao Pedro, Kaoru Mitoma and Bart Verbruggen will all have their suitors but, as ever, the club will only sell at the right price and when it already has a replacement in-house or on the way in.

    A season of transition has shown huge promise, and an ambitious head coach will be hoping to build on a decent platform next year.

    An image detailing how to follow your Premier League team on BBC Sport: "On the app? Tap the bell icon to get news about your club sent to you. Signed in on a browser? Hit 'Follow' to stay up to date.
  10. 🎧 Is Mitoma's future at Brighton?published at 08:06 28 May

    Albion Unlimited podcast graphic

    The latest episode of BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited has dropped!

    Journalist Masatoshi Mori joins the team to discuss Kaoru Mitoma, and whether he could be on the move this summer. while Brighton midfielder Jack Hinselwood reflects on just missing out on European qualification.

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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  11. Which teams put a shift in this season?published at 08:03 28 May

    Chris Collinson
    BBC Sport statistician

    A graph plots distance covered on x axis and sprints on y axis. Brighton covered most distance. Most sprints is Bournemouth followed by Tottenham. Nottingham Forest are low for both metrics.

    Bournemouth and Tottenham were the most physical teams in the Premier League this season when considering the distance they covered and the number of sprints performed.

    The results might explain why they had a lot of injuries.

    Newcastle and Brighton were not too far behind though, with Brighton actually covering the most ground in the league, with fewer sprints.

    Chelsea and Liverpool's style of play saw them sprint a lot but not cover a lot of ground, while Manchester City and Arsenal were the opposite (ran a lot but didn't sprint a lot).

    Nottingham Forest very much had their own style of play this season as they both ran and sprinted the least.

  12. Fan scorecard: Unsung hero? Ideal signing?published at 12:42 27 May

    Scott McCarthy
    Fan writer

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    Adam WebsterImage source, Getty Images

    Season rating: 7/10. Most Brighton fans would have taken eighth place if offered it at the start of the campaign - but there is a nagging feeling of what might have been had the three relegated clubs not all left the Amex with a draw. The six points dropped in those games would have taken the Albion into the Champions League.

    Happy with your manager? A mixed bag from Herr Hurzeler but, in case you didn't hear at some point this season, he is only 32 years old. Hurzeler is learning all the time, and from what we have seen so far, I think he has the potential to become a Brighton great - especially if he keeps sharing Instagram posts of him riding his electric bike around the city.

    Unsung hero: Adam Webster. Written off by many, his return from four months out in February coincided with six victories in a row. Injured again and Brighton won one in six. Returned for the final three games of the season and it was another three wins. There does not seem to be any logic behind it, but the Albion just look much better with Webster alongside Jan Paul van Hecke.

    Player you would most like to sign: I appreciate there is more chance of me taking Dua Lipa on a date to my local pub for a steak dinner, but Thomas Muller. A tenuous Bayern Munich academy connection exists between Muller and Hurzeler. And Muller's experience and ability would take Brighton on to another level. More realistic is Kyle Walker-Peters - if Tariq Lamptey is to leave on a free as widely expected.

    Right now, my overriding emotion from the season is: Excitement. The Albion's biggest problem has been inconsistency, which is par for the course with such a young squad. Consistency will come with experience, as will better game management and hopefully the ability to overcome struggling teams at home. Marry those three together and the sky is the limit. Unless Kaoru Mitoma, Carlos Baleba and Van Hecke all get sold for mega money this summer...

    Do you agree with Scott's answers? Pick one or two categories and send your views

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    Find more from Scott McCarthy at We Are Brighton, external

  13. 'Enterprising and easy on the eye'published at 12:41 27 May

    Jack Hinshelwood, celebrating scoring on the last day of the Premier LeagueImage source, Getty Images
    Chief football writer Phil McNulty byline banner

    Here's my quick assessment of Brighton's Premier League season - and a return to my August predictions.

    Pre-season prediction: 12th

    Ended the season: 8th

    A solid season with plenty of promise under 32-year-old head coach Fabian Hurzeler, with hopes of Europe maintained until the final day, when they won 4-1 at Tottenham but ultimately missed out.

    Brighton continue to be enterprising and easy on the eye with their intense style, and this campaign was another example of how far this well-run club has come.

    There is usually transfer activity at Amex Stadium, and Brighton will once again have other clubs eyeing outstanding attacking talent such as Joao Pedro and Kaoru Mitoma. History tells us they will be prepared for such eventualities.

    What I said in August: "This may not be the top-six season of a couple of years back but Brighton are always so watchable, and will be again."

    Read my assessments of the other 19 teams here

  14. 'A story that has gone under the radar'published at 11:53 26 May

    Laura Kenyon
    Final Score reporter at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

    Fabian HurzelerImage source, Getty Images

    Fabian Hurzeler's first season at Brighton is a story that has perhaps gone under the radar.

    The youngest permanent head coach in Premier League history when appointed aged 31. He has taken his side to the brink of European qualification, something that has only been done once in the club's history.

    When scores elsewhere filtered through to the away fans at Tottenham Hotspur stadium, shattering the European dream, the togetherness and team spirit on the pitch was unquestionable.

    This was another second-half masterclass. They have been the comeback kings in the top flight this season, shocking the likes of Liverpool along the way.

    The Brighton boss admits consistency needs to improve next season but, with a promising first season under his belt, the 'Hurzeler era' is well under way.

  15. 'No European adventure' but signs of 'great promise for the future'published at 09:59 26 May

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    Diego Gomez celebrates scoring at Tottenham Hotspur StadiumImage source, Getty Images

    We asked for your thoughts after Brighton's convincing 4-1 away win at Tottenham spoiled the hosts' Europa League party on the final day of the Premier League season.

    Here are some of your replies:

    Baltos: Great win! However the Seagulls' form over the winter came back to bite us. Chance to dream for next season, providing Brighton hold on to their current players and strengthen the squad, especially in attack. The glass is always half full...

    Ella: I would have loved to see us get European football, but I'm not too disappointed. Let's focus on the league next season. Our squad is looking strong and maybe, just maybe, there is a Champions League place for us? Especially as Manchester City may or may not lose a hefty amount of points. All in all, a good season. We only lost nine games, the same as City and Chelsea!

    Paul: For Brighton to finish eighth with a young and inexperienced manager, in Premier League terms, and an exciting group of young players - surely most supporters are delighted. Now we have to learn how to beat teams who park the bus. I'm already looking forward to next season, despite no European adventure.

    Richard: A very good season overall, but where might we have been had we not dropped points from winning positions against sides in the bottom third of the table and even in the relegation positions? I think second or third would have been possible!

    Charlie: Although we didn't make Europe, a season of great improvement and promise for the future was played, especially under a completely new manager. A brilliant effort throughout the season and, despite the ups and downs, we seem to have found a bit of rhythm which we can hopefully carry through to the 2025-26 campaign. I wholeheartedly believe that with some slight changes and improvements, Europe is fully attainable. Up the Albion!

  16. 'We left it all out there' - Hinshelwoodpublished at 21:07 25 May

    Jack Hinshelwood celebrates scoringImage source, Getty Images

    Brighton midfielder Jack Hinshelwood has been speaking to BBC Radio Sussex about the 4-1 win over Tottenham on the final day of the season: "It was really nice. As a team, we were a bit disappointed with the first half. We didn't show as much energy and intensity as we like, but in the second half we really came out. We got the four goals.

    "I think we have ended a really positive season in a positive way."

    On playing more of an attacking role: "I knew I was going to play further forward during the first half and I tried to be as busy as I could. I'm always alive in the box - it's something that I've always liked to do in my game.

    "Today I've got to give credit to the set piece coach, Jonas [Scheuermann], he gave me a specific role from the set-piece, two balls fell to my feet and I managed to put them into the back of the net. So all credit to him as well."

    On not taking the penalty for his hat-trick: "I know what it's going to look like - like I didn't fancy it! I did put myself forward, I said that I was on a hat-trick and I was more than happy to take it, but Matt O'Riley said he was the taker and we still needed to win the game.

    "At that point, winning the game for the team is more important. So as much as I would've liked to get my hat-trick, it was important we got the win."

    On finishing eighth this season: "It's a really positive season. I know it's probably tough to take at the minute, and it is tough to take, because we wanted Europe and we fought hard for it.

    "But I don't think we can have any regrets from these past five or six weeks. We left it all out there. We have a great family in the changing room and everyone worked their hardest.

    "We just fell a little short but I think we can just use that for fuel next season. We have great foundations to build on now and I think next season is going to be a really exciting one for sure."

    Listen to the full post-match interview on BBC Sounds

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  17. 'I'm really happy with the team spirit this season'published at 20:11 25 May

    Brighton manager Fabian HurzelerImage source, Getty Images

    Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to BBC Match of the Day about the performance and what he said to his team at half-time: "I told them to stay calm in possession and to show more intensity out of possession. The key was to have better positioning, to be cleaner in our passing and touches, and to show the right reaction.

    "We showed a great reaction and it was a well-deserved win."

    On Jack Hinshelwood's goals: "I'm very happy for him because he is a player from the academy. He suffered a bit in the last little period, but he showed personality. He is great in training and he deserves the two goals. He never gives up. I'm really happy for him."

    On missing out on securing European football for next season: "We did all that we could and we played a very good season. Overall, we accept the other results. We have to reflect on this season and then build on it next season."

    On Diego Gomez's goal: "Everyone was happy for him. Diego came from a different culture and country. He is a great team player.

    "I'm really happy with the team spirit this season."