Brighton & Hove Albion

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on whether you think James Milner's contract should be extended.

Here are some of your comments:

Jon: Brighton have placed great emphasis on senior players' roles off the pitch. And with our ever persistent injury crisis, experienced bodies are needed at crucial moments. All those things suggest a reasonable contract for a consummate pro at 40 is, at least, not outlandish…

David: I can think of a few games this season when game management in the last 10 minutes was terrible. With an experienced leader like Milner coming on for the last 10-15 minutes, his experience could have been vital. Off the pitch I'm sure he helps too. So I'm all for him signing up.

Nicola: Let him go. Give a chance to a youngster from the academy.

• Not a Brighton fan? Find and follow your club here

Steve: I feel Milner's body is telling him, enough is enough. Doesn't need anyone else to say it. By all means, keep him on the coaching staff but it is mega wages for a risky few outings.

Geoff: Milner is an experienced pro with a vast knowledge that he can call on to mentor the young players. If fit he would still be a valuable squad player and we have needed a player like him to bring off the bench this season on several occasions. If you're good enough, you're young enough.

Richard: You don't play for a top European side for nearly two decades without learning a tremendous amount about the game. We should embrace such an ambassador of the game to impart his knowledge and embrace our young players, many of whom will look up to such a player.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Brighton forward Warren Aspinall says Danny Welbeck is "our precious gem" after the striker's latest goal helped Albion beat Wolves at the weekend.

With that strike, the 32-year-old reached double figures in the Premier League for the first time in his career.

Speaking on BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast, Aspinall said: "You have to take your hats off to the medical staff saying, 'Look this is our precious gem - we need to keep him polished'.

"He's a true professional on and off the pitch. He's great for the dressing room and great for the youngsters coming through.

"He's done very well with that penalty. He had to wait a long time."

BBC Radio Sussex's Johnny Cantor added: "I am delighted for him. He's a crucial player.

"He does so much work outside of the box in link-up play. He's got 14 goal involvements, 10 goals and four assists. That's only two behind Joao Pedro, who's got 10 goals and six assists and ahead of everyone else - Kaoru Mitoma is next with 12 and Minteh with 10.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

For the players and fans, Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi getting this injury in a situation where the offside flag should have been raised is so frustrating.

The frustration is when it is clear and obvious. Officials have been overseeing games for many years and they would always flag whether they were right or wrong.

Now technology has come into it, they are very reliant on VAR to make the right decision, the factual decision, about an offside. But, I think when an offside is so clear and obvious, it should be the duty of the assistant referee to put their flag up and stop play from the off.

When it is marginal, I understand we are a bit more hesitant when there are really fine margins, and we have seen those fine margins when goals have been given and it is a toenail to keep them on-side. I would understand it from that point of view, but it was on the halfway-line where the offside happened on Sunday, only for play to be allowed to continue.

It has been a matter of time. It has been a time bomb waiting to go off for somebody to get seriously injured. Awoniyi is the one that has got that injury - that horrific injury - because of it. Some will say it is only the first time it has happened in the duration of this rule, but it should never happen. That is how players will be looking at it, how fans and managers will be looking at it and saying 'it should never happen'. We should not wait for something to happen to reassess rules like this.

I don't like the ruling of it - it is on the halfway-line, it is clear and obviously offside, everybody in the stadium could probably see it. It should be for the assistant referee to make the decision. There are small margins in the box, I understand why they are a bit hesitant, but in open play, if somebody is sprinting, you could cause hamstring, quad, and all types of muscle injuries.

I am totally against this rule of waiting to put up the flag and I think most players and managers are as well. It's disappointing. I think it's a rule that nobody likes, and I'm sure in the summer off the back of this injury, one that will probably be reassessed.

Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson

Alex Fletcher
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

This season has been far from ideal for James Milner.

It might have started with him becoming the first player to play in 23 Premier League seasons - when he took to the field on the opening day against Everton - but two weeks later it would end prematurely.

A hamstring injury in Brighton's draw against Arsenal ruled him out for the rest of the campaign.

Despite his absence, it's being reported that he is in talks with the club over signing a new deal.

Milner will turn 40 in January, but can he play a part for Brighton going forward?

He joined the Seagulls in the summer of 2023, after eight trophy-laden years at Liverpool.

According to Opta, since his arrival he has started just 14 Premier League games and played just 950 minutes.

But if you take out his injury-hit season this year, there is no evidence that Milner is slowing down.

Last season he averaged 52 minutes per appearance - his highest since 2018-19 - as he started 11 Premier League games for Brighton.

During the second half of his spell at Liverpool he was limited to mainly substitute appearances, and while he played more minutes in each of his seasons, he started just 27 league matches in his final three years at the club.

And as Brighton push to secure European football for next season, Milner could play an important role both on and off the pitch should he sign a new deal.

Having won the Champions League in 2019, he has played in three European finals and been on the bench in another.

The former England international can also play in a variety of positions and his versatility is a potential asset for Fabian Hurzeler.

What do you think?

Do you want James Milner to stay at Brighton?

Send us your thoughts

The latest episode of BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast has landed.

Seagulls trio Jack Hinshelwood, Adam Webster and Brajan Gruda all feature on this week's edition and discuss the race for a European spot.

Argus journalist Brian Owen also joins to preview Monday's fixture against champions Liverpool.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Brighton are in talks with veteran English midfielder James Milner, 39, over a new deal with the club. (Athletic - subscription required, external)

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Scott McCarthy
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

When Brighton embarked on their much-talked about £193m summer spending spree, it was with one eye on the future as much as the here-and-now.

Nine new signings arrived at the Amex, the oldest of whom were Mats Wieffer and Ferdi Kadioglu aged 24.

If we accept that most players peak somewhere around the age of 28, it will be in the 2028-29 season that the summer 2024 additions start to hit their prime.

Having a young, inexperienced squad (and manager - it hasn't been mentioned much that Fabian Hurzeler is only 32) explains why the Albion have been so wildly inconsistent.

Yet despite the inconsistency, Brighton are still in the race for European football with two matches left to play. It's a scenario almost every Albion fan would have taken nine months ago at the beginning of what many felt was going to be a transitional season.

The hope will be that last year's signings will push Brighton on further in 2025-26, having adapted to life in the Premier League and with 12 months experience in England under their belts.

Against Wolves on Saturday, we got a glimpse of that plan bearing fruit. Wieffer and Brajan Gruda have both struggled since their £25m moves from Feyenoord and Mainz respectively.

But the pair are finishing the campaign strongly, suggesting they can become key players next season.

Wieffer won the Albion penalty at Molineux - converted by Danny Welbeck - and then started the counter attack which led to Gruda opening his account for the club. Wieffer now has three assists in his past four appearances since being given a run in the side at right back.

Gruda's strike meanwhile comes off the back of setting up the 89th and 93rd minute goals which turned a potential 2-1 defeat by West Ham into a last-gasp Brighton victory.

They say patience is a virtue and the Albion have more of it than almost any other Premier League club. It is a quality that can benefit Brighton over the coming years.

Find more from Scott McCarthy at We Are Brighton, external

Harry Poole
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

For the first time in his career, the 34-year-old striker hit double figures for Premier League goals in a single season with his penalty in Saturday's 2-0 win at Wolves.

Shining for Brighton in the twilight of his career, Welbeck's latest contribution helped ensure the Seagulls remain firmly in the fight to secure European football with just two games remaining.

"It is a good milestone to have - and I feel like it could have been more," said Welbeck, who scored on his Premier League debut for Manchester United as a 17-year-old in November 2008.

"I'm looking forward to improving. We have two more games left and hopefully I'll get some more [goals]."

Much of the former Manchester United, Arsenal and Watford player's career has been disrupted by persistent injury issues, at least prior to his arrival on the south coast.

But he has now made as many as 29 appearances in three consecutive Premier League seasons for the first time in his career, helping him to at last score 10 goals in a campaign.

He is one goal away from matching his most productive season across all competitions, scoring 12 times for Manchester United in 2011-12.

Each of the former England international's past nine goals in the competition have either put his side ahead (seven) or drawn them level (two).

They are vital interventions which have helped Brighton remain in the race for a lucrative European place.

Boss Fabian Hurzeler hopes that Welbeck, who will turn 35 in November, will still continue to deliver at the top level.

"I hope [he can carry on]," Hurzeler said. "He has to continue how he behaves at the moment.

"He is very professional and I am convinced that he can carry on for a long time."

Read more over here

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Wolves and Brighton.

Here are some of your comments:

Wolves fans

Rhys: Not a bad performance by Wolves. Thought we played all right but Brighton punished us for the mistakes we made. Matheus Cunha can leave now. He cost us a goal and he got booked. We just need to get these two games out of the way.

Mike: We were unable to cope with Brighton's press and made lots of unforced errors. We lacked width, particularly on the right wing . Some key players showed insufficient commitment to keep the ball.

Stefan: We lacked that killer punch. Strange game where we should have scored at least one goal, but could have conceded a couple more, particularly with defenders trying to play two-touch football to clear the ball instead of getting rid of it upfield. Still some promising stuff coming out of the squad with anticipation for a better outcome next season.

Matthew: Awful performance after the first 15 minutes. Players already on the beach, clearly. Worst Cunha display in ages too.

Brighton fans

David: Excellent all-round team performance. Have we missed Joao Pedro? Past three game without him, seven points. Previous three with him, one point. Well done Danny Welbeck from the spot.

Mick: For the second game running, I don't think we were the better team on the day, but we managed this game better. Some notable performances from Mats Wieffer, Pervis Estupinan and player of the year Jan Paul van Hecke. The manager won the tactical battle and individual players snuffed out the threat from Wolves' danger men. With Pedro back next week we have a chance of taking the final European place.

Fran: Good team performance, with substitutions again made the difference. The players are starting to show what they can do even if it is coming to the end of the season so things looks good for the future. Just concentrate on the next two games and if we get Europe fine. If not, we have still had a good season.

Sean: Now we have some defenders back fit, we are looking more solid at the back. It was great to keep a clean sheet. Some solid performances all over the pitch, I think eighth may be just out of reach with having to play Liverpool next, but if we can keep the core squad and manager, finishing in the top five could be a reality next season.

Image source, Getty Images

Bart Verbruggen praised Brighton's teamwork in their impressive victory over Wolves.

The goalkeeper told BBC Radio Sussex: "It is massive for us. We know where we are in the table and what part of the season we are in so every point is important.

"We are trying to force each other to start quick and stay on the front foot. I still think we can improve and do things better but at this stage it is just about getting points.

"We score with 11 and we defend with 11 and that is a big strength of this team. If you see how much effort attacking players put into defending, reacting when we lose the ball and transitions, then it is a massive reason we kept a clean sheet.

"We have to focus on ourselves and try to win every game. But first it is about winning in every training session."

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

Brighton are among a number of clubs interested in 21-year-old defender Diego Coppola, who plays for Serie A side Hellas Verona. (Fabrizio Romano), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, speaking to BBC Match Of The Day after the 2-0 victory over Wolves: "Very happy that the players showed this performance. They stuck to the plan and defended quite well.

"Second half, we defended quite well. In possession we could do it better, but I was happy to use the chance to score the second goal."

On Brajan Gruda scoring his first goal for Brighton: "It is always difficult when a German makes a compliment to a German.

"I had to give him one because he's sacrificed a lot and he has suffered a lot.

"He's training very hard and today he made himself a big presence. We are all happy for him."

On European aims: "I'm not thinking about Europe. I'm thinking about how we can win the next game."

Tim Oscroft
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Fabian Hurzeler's side appear to be timing their run for a place in Europe next season very nicely.

The 2-0 win at Molineux means they have gleaned seven points from a possible nine, and they now have just two games remaining.

Having another go at European competition, two seasons after their debut under Roberto De Zerbi, is far from signed and sealed for the Seagulls though, with multiple possibilities that include Man City winning the FA Cup and Chelsea winning the Conference League.

But the visit of Liverpool and a trip to Tottenham on the last day of the season give Hurzeler a decent shot at emulating his predecessor in his first season at the Amex Stadium.

And those chances improve with the knowledge that Danny Welbeck is still proving to be a potent threat in front of goal, 16 years after his Manchester United debut.

Image source, Getty Images

Brighton's Danny Welbeck has scored 10 goals in a single Premier League season for the very first time, playing in his 17th campaign. Each of his last nine goals in the competition have either put his side ahead (7) or drawn them level (2).

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Wolves' performance

What did you make of Brighton's display?

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

Your club, your voice.

We'd love to hear what you think of this club page.

What do you like?

What could be improved?

Send us your thoughts here

Wolves' winning run was ended by Manchester City last time out but I was still really impressed by their intensity and they will cause Brighton plenty of problems too.

It has been a strange season for the Seagulls, who have been a top-half team for the entire campaign but have won only one of their past seven league games.

I don't think their campaign is necessarily fizzling out because they played well in their draw with Newcastle last week, but their poor run might continue because I don't see them beating Wolves either.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here.

Five matches make up Saturday's Premier League action and BBC Sport will bring you every kick.

• Fulham v Everton

• Ipswich Town v Brentford

• Southampton v Manchester City - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Wolves v Brighton

• Bournemouth v Aston Villa (17:30 BST) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

All kick-off times 15:00 BST unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

Josh Lobley
BBC Sport Journalist

Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Wolves (kick-off 15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Hurzeler confirmed Solly March will be out for the remaining three games but hopefully be back for pre-season. Georginio Rutter is also unavailable but could return before the season ends.

• Meanwhile, Kaoru Mitoma will be an option for Saturday's match.

• Hurzeler was asked about dropping Yasin Ayari for last week's draw against Newcastle: "It was one my hardest decisions so far this season. I had a conversation with him. Of course, he wasn't happy and I didn't expect him to be. It's about the player and whether they will react in the right way after the feeling of disappointment."

• Hurzeler spoke highly of the club's end of season award ceremony, which took place this week: "It was a really nice, well organised evening which was special for our supporters. We want to give back to them after their support this season. It was important to get in touch with them and to listen to their feelings."

• He added: "Sometimes, I think the staff don't get rewarded enough. The players can't perform without the great staff around them and I am very grateful for them. It is important to mention them."

• On Tom McGill, who signed a new deal this week: "It was very important for him to extend his contract. You need goalkeepers who are the best challengers and trainers who try to compete with the first-choice goalkeeper. He has great character and tries to be his best every day. We are really happy to have him."

• On Saturday's opponents and their upturn in form since Vitor Pereira's arrival: "It's impressive - they have a clear style of play and are very good defensively. In possession, they have a clear formation too. It will be a big challenge and we will try to go for it."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Johnny Cantor
BBC Radio Sussex reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Brighton goalkeeper Tom McGill has signed a new contract that runs until June 2027.

The 25-year-old has been with Albion since he was 14 and spent the first half of this season on loan with MK Dons, where he made 25 League Two appearances.

Men's first team head coach Fabian Hurzeler said: "Tom has been an important part of our goalkeeping team for a long time and we're pleased to see that continue.

"He gained some valuable experience with MK Dons this season and we're confident that Tom will continue to improve with us."

As well as loan spells with the likes of Greenwich Borough, Basingstoke Town and Crawley Town, McGill received his first call-up to the Canada senior squad in March 2023, before being named in his country's 2024 Copa America squad.