[Albion] Brighton’s long march from the brink of extinction to the promised land of European football

[Bozza]

Great article detailing our incredible story, with NSC featuring at the very beginning...

"On one run-of-the-mill Friday evening in April 2001, a Brighton and Hove Albion supporter logged on to the North Stand Chat forum online because he wanted to reminisce. Brighton were on the verge of sealing promotion from the Third Division (that would be confirmed nine days later). To fully experience the joy, that supporter reasoned, we should reflect upon what came before. His reflections were of half-time at Hereford in 1997, ultimately recognised as the day Brighton saved themselves.​

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“I still remember that feeling and will never forget it. I sat on the floor with a fag and I just couldn’t get up, couldn’t see how I could get on with the rest of my life. We came so close it still gives me goosebumps when I think about it.”​

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The user’s post provoked a steady stream of responses, a blue-and-white-striped online confessional. It was as if only the release of impending promotion, escaping one of a number of prisons into which they had been forced, could permit such emotional expression. Do it any earlier and you risk turning on a tap that just will not stop."​

Brighton’s long march from the brink of extinction to the promised land of European football

Brighton have become renowned for their success on and off the pitch but that is only half of the story. In some ways it is a miracle the Seagulls still exist at all

inews.co.uk

 

[Bozza]

And, if you have a few minutes, it's well worth a read back...

Half Time at Hereford

cyril (195.92.67.70 - 195.92.67.70) Friday, April 06, 2001 - 10:00 pm -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I still remember that feeling and will never forget it...I sat on the floor with a fag and I just couldn't get up, couldn't see how I could...

www.northstandchat.com

 

[Brovion]

Bugger me that is brilliant.

 

[Thunder Bolt]

A great write-up.

Edit to add, I've shared the link on FB, tagging Richard Vaughan. He wishes us good luck for tonight.

 

[CheeseRolls]

Was reading that article this morning on a train south from Penrith. We pulled into Wigan station and I think I got something in my eye.

Went to Wigan away and went leafleting in their supporters club, then post game up to Mellor for that march. Went on my own that day, not sure what to expect, but a sense things were getting desperate. Turned out alright I guess.

Should be on time for a couple of pints in town pre-match. I won't be on my own.

 

[Sarisbury Seagull]

Fantastic piece.

Daniel Storey is brilliant. Think I remember him saying on a Podcast he's got close friends who are Brighton fans so he does understand the club, fans and what we've been through and seems to have a bit of a soft spot for us. Always talks and writes knowledgeably and complimentary about us.

 

[attila]

Brilliant.

 

[attila]

There's a piece in the Times too, can't read it though

 

[Mr Bridger]

Proper onion chopper that.

 

[Muzzman]

Storey by name, story by nature. A long article, but fascinating all the same. I was 18 years old when it all started going so wrong for us back then. I'm still learning, or being reminded of the amount people did. Liam Brady offering £40K, only for it to be knocked back being one example.

 

[Muzzman]

There's a piece in the Times too, can't read it though

Pop the URL into the dark blue box on this site: https://archive.ph/

 

[pasty]

What a superb piece

 

[Nicks]

Who thought all those years ago at Gillingham with my two lads of 8 and 9 years old and their cousin in the middle would be watching European football in a state of the art stadium tonight !!!
Quite emotional really.

 

[Stato]

Well done Daniel Storey. That was marvellous.

After yesterday's video, I find myself crying for the second time in two days. Both times, I went on Robbie Reinalt's goal. It just seems like the explosion of relief after all of the build up of tension.

Love to all who are with us, or who were with us at any point during the journey. You're the reason why any of this matters.

 

[Garry Nelson's Left Foot]

There has been a lot written and filmed about us recently but that might just be the best article I've ever read about us. Beautiful and poignant and should be read by every Brighton fan.

It is our story and wonderfully evokes just what sits at the heart and soul of our club. No matter how high we fly, how brightly we shine we should never forget where we came from, the fires we were forged in and just what it means to be Brighton. We are Brighton.

I said it on the video thread and I'll say it here, I f***ing love this club!

 

[Giraffe]

You're going to need to stop doing this. Sat at my desk welling up again!

 

[maltaseagull]

There's a piece in the Times too, can't read it though

‘No oligarchs, no sportswashers’: how Brighton fans rebuilt their club

“The big clubs can buy our players, but they can’t buy our soul and spirit” — Roberto De Zerbi, August 11, 2023. There are three pillars of the Brighton & Hove

www.thetimes.co.uk

 

[KZNSeagull]

Excellent article. My hay fever has returned again!

 

[fly high]

Tried to read it but keeps graying out and wants me to sign in or buy a subscription, anyway round this?