Withdean Generation

[Seagulls4life]

For most of you, tomorrow will be the long-awaited return of the Albion to a ground that we can truly call our own. However, for those of us in the 'Withdean Generation' it will be the first time that we have ever known such a wonderful feeling.

My Dad took me to my first Albion game at the Goldstone as a naive four year old. Regrettably I decided to waste the afternoon by running around the back of the stand. Four years later I was taking my seat in the South Stand of a shabby, tree-lined, rented athletics track. Ten seasons, two relegations, four promotions and one Bobby Zamora later I am 18 and tomorrow I will be settling in to my (padded) seat in the West Stand Upper of a shiny, full and beautiful football arena.

How lucky I am.

But remember, I am one of the minority from this generation that managed to fall in love with the Albion during those long Withdean years. Unfortunately far too many potential Brighton fans will have fallen by the wayside. Tomorrow sees the day that this trend will change. How can any young kids from Sussex not support the Albion in the future? It would be ludicrous!

I for one CANNOT WAIT for tomorrow.

Thank you all from the generation previously that has made this day come!

Similar to you. Never went to the Goldstone but i went to my first Withdean game when i was 11 have been hooked for 5 years and a season ticket holder for all 5. I'll be in the North stand tomorrow, i've never been to a game with 20,000 others, lets make this place rock!

 

[Prodigal Son]

Good thread with some meaningful posts.

I did go to the Goldstone with my Dad who was really a Lewes supporter but indulged his son's desire to watch something better on a Saturday afternoon. I saw my first Albion game in the late 70's when we drew 2-2 with Oxford at the Goldstone. This aside, I consider myself to be of the Withdean Generation having rekindled my passion for football and the Albion through my two sons. We became STH's at the Withdean and like a lot of people, we are looking forward to the new era at Falmer.

Seagulls forever!

 

[Flavor Flav]

My first Albion match was at Gillingham in 1998. 13 years on I'll finally get to watch Brighton at a permanent home, madness.

 

[BHAryan]

Im 17 and cant wait for the game..see what we as a club have been through over the last 15 odd years i also want to say thanks to the true fans who helped keep this club alive and made it possible for me and the other younger fans. We are home and we are brighton. Lets enjoy it

 

[ady1973]

I've always believed and still do that , you don't find your club.....your club finds you !!

 

[steve-c]

Absolutely. Over 10,000 members in Gullys Gang I believe!

and 1 of them will be there with me today, she has even painted her nails blue and white ,one half nail blue the other white ,bless her lol

 

[Paddy B]

I have huge admiration for the younger Albion fans who never got to experience the Goldstone. It takes a special sort of dedication to start your football supporting life at such an inadequate venue. Particularly when there are supposedly more attractive options a train ride away. And peer pressure from schoolmates who cannot see past the Prem. So hats off to "The Withdean Generation" you deserve to thoroughly enjoy today!

 

[Freddie Goodwin.]

I echo what paddy said. Always respected the youngsters who stuck with Albion but this thread really brings it home that, after supporting a club for many years THIS is the 1st REAL home game.

Lokking around today there were so many youngsters at the game. And those kids will be the envy of their 'plastic' mates because we watch rweal football in a real ground. The atmosphere today was priceless!

 

[Chucky20]

I started supporting the albion at the start of the withdean years also.. today was unreal I'm chuffed that my old man that got me to support this truly amazing club was there next to me today when buckley scored the winner! emotional!