Brighton and Hove Albion
Brighton and Hove Albion
The Seagulls swooped into the Premier League by finishing runners up to the Magpies and winning automatic promotion from the EFL Championship in 2016/17.
The club faced difficult times before returning to the top division for the first time in 34 years. They lost their home stadium and had to spend two seasons over 70 miles away at Gillingham and dropping down the football league.
In 1999, the club found a new home at Withdean Stadium a converted athletics track. Despite the size and limitations of their new home, the Seagulls worked hard and climbed back up the divisions to the Championship.
In 2009, Tony Bloom took over as chairman and secured investment in a new stadium and the club’s fortunes started to improve. The Falmer Stadium, which is now known as The Amex Stadium, welcomed Brighton and Hove Albion for their first match in 2011 and hosted Premier League football for the first time in 2017/18.
What will Brighton bring to the Premier League? A great city, a great fan base, an amazing stadium which will be sold out every game, and hopefully we will do the city and our supporters proud.
Tony Bloom, Brighton’s owner.
Factsheet
- Stadium: Falmer Amex Stadium
- Stadium Capacity: 31,800
- Location: Brighton
- Founded: 1901
- Nickname: The Seagulls
- Manager: Roberto De Zerbi
- Kit: blue and white striped shirt, blue shorts and blue socks
What do we know about Brighton & Hove Albion?
Brighton and Hove is a city in the county of East Sussex on the south coast of England. The city is almost due south of London and is a popular seaside resort for people from the capital. The towns of Brighton and Hove were neighbours, but over time, as the towns grew, the two towns merged and in 1997 their councils joined together. In 2001, the combined authority was given city status.
Who are Brighton's main rivals?
The Seagulls main rivals are the Eagles! Although the club is over 40 miles away, Crystal Palace are the club’s biggest competitors. When the two teams meet, the competition is known as the M23 derby, named after the motorway between south London and Sussex. Historically, the teams are evenly matched, Brighton have beaten Palace 40 times and Palace have won 38 times.
Where is Brighton?
Round and about
In this section, we take a look at some cultural and social aspects of life in the UK that are directly related to Brighton and Hove and its surrounding areas. Brighton and Hove is on the south coast of England in the county of East Sussex. If you ever plan a visit to see the Seagulls, the following might be useful.
What is the Brighton Pavillion?
If you ever visit Brighton, you might be surprised to see the golden domes and minarets of the Royal Pavilion. The Pavilion was built in 1787 as a seaside retreat for George, The Prince of Wales, who later became the Prince Regent and then King George IV. The Pavilion was built by John Nash and is a fantasy of Indo-Saracenic architecture.
What else is there to see in Brighton?
Brighton and Hove sit on an unbroken stretch of shingle beach. Shingle is another word for pebbles. So it’s a good place to sit and enjoy the sea air, but not so great if you want to build sandcastles.
There are lots of quirky shops and restaurants in Brighton in an area called the Lanes. These are a higgledy-piggledy mess of narrow pedestrianised shopping streets. It’s a good place to wander around and look for gifts.
Is there a pier?
Brighton has a fantastic pier called the Brighton Palace Pier. It was built in 1899 and is over 500m long. There are traditional games, arcades, restaurants and fairground rides.
What is Brighton Rock?
Brighton Rock is the title of a novel by Graham Greene about a criminal gang in Brighton in the 1930s. The book is named after a traditional sweet that is sold at seaside resorts in the UK called rock. Rock is a hard cylindrical candy with the name of the resort written inside the stick. This book is not the only cultural connection to gangs and Brighton. Quadrophenia is a British film that has a large cult following and a lot of the film was set in Brighton. The film is about two gangs (the Mods and the Rockers) who meet (and fight) on a bank holiday weekend in Brighton.
Can you have a good night out in Brighton?
Brighton is a great night out and many people visit the city for its many bars and clubs in the city. It is also famous for its many live music venues with a strong emphasis on electronic music. Fatboy Slim, the world famous DJ, lives in Brighton and is a big fan and actually owns 12% of the football club. Brighton also has the largest LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) community in the UK. Many LGBT charities are based in Brighton and Brighton Pride, held every August, is one of the biggest Pride festivals in the UK.
Learning
Fan Interview
In this section, we would like you to practise your English reading skills. Read the interview with Norman, who is a Brighton fan and try to answer the questions below.
Dialogue
Journalist: So, we’re joined now by Norman, a Brighton and Hove Albion fan. Now, Quentin, Brighton and Hove Albion have made it to the Premier League for the first time. How do you think they’ll do?
Norman: Back in April, we were playing Wigan. We were two up then Wigan got one back, but when the final whistle blew, we went mad. It was a wonderful night. Now, we’ve got a challenge - it’s all right thinking about the past, but right here, right now, we’ve got the Premier League. We’ve just got to take one match at a time ... eat, sleep, football, repeat ... if you know what I mean.
Journalist: But you must be excited?
Norman: Yeah! I’m going out of my head! It’s going to be great. What Tony Bloom and Chris Hughton have done for us - really, if I met Chris, I’d be like ... I can’t praise you enough.
Journalist: Brighton and Hove Albion have had some difficult times over the years. How does it feel now you’re back in the top league?
Norman: I was 20 when we were relegated back when it was the first division. And then we lost The Goldstone because the club had some bad debts and we had to play at Gillingham for two seasons. But now, before the match, at our new amazing stadium, when I’m putting my lucky shirt on, I say to myself: you’ve come a long way, baby.
Journalist: What are you most looking forward to this season?
Norman: Palace. Crystal Palace. I have a friend from London who supports them and whenever they play here, I invite him down. I tell him, you’re not from Brighton, but when it comes to football, you’ve got to feel the love, drop the hate and we’ll all have a good time.
Journalist: Finally, what’s your prediction for this season?
Norman: It’s going to be tough for us when we have to face the big teams, but it’s going to be fun. I’d love it if we were champions ... sounds like a bit of a dream. I’d be ... well, I'd be in heaven, man, but more realistically - middle of the table ... that’d be great.
Questions
- What is Norman looking forward to about the Premier League?
- Which place does Norman recommend you visit?
- Where does Norman think Norman will finish this season?
Trivia
In all of our club pages, we encourage you to find out more about each Premier League club. Searching for information in English can be a great way to improve your language skills. We have three general knowledge questions and we want to see if you can find the answers. Beware! Some of the questions are quite difficult!
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What did Brighton and Hove Albion temporarily rename their stadium to in 2004 when they hosted the launch party of a Fatboy Slim album?
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Why did Prince George become the Prince Regent?
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West Bromwich Albion ... Brighton and Hove Albion ... What does Albion mean?
Quiz
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Comment
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Comments
17/05/2024
points
Caicedo from Brighton to my Chelsea!!
17/05/2024 00:53
Chelsea
285
Caicedo from Brighton to my Chelsea!!
13/12/2022
points
Cai Cedo had to hang up his boots or else he would have gone to an early grave, he was only 21.
13/12/2022 10:29
Liverpool
759
Cai Cedo had to hang up his boots or else he would have gone to an early grave, he was only 21.
08/08/2022
points
What I like about Brighton this season is their game management and determination. Yesterday, they defeated Man United by 2-1 at the Theatre of Dreams.
It was a historic day for the Seagulls as this was their first league win oven Man United on this ground.
Congratulations to all Brighton fans around the world. Your team really made history.
08/08/2022 07:31
Chelsea
357
What I like about Brighton this season is their game management and determination. Yesterday, they defeated Man United by 2-1 at the Theatre of Dreams.
It was a historic day for the Seagulls as this was their first league win oven Man United on this ground.
Congratulations to all Brighton fans around the world. Your team really made history.
31/07/2022
points
Phrases
• One of fan swooped into the pitch by looking dazedly.
• I'm always bored in the place that have higgledy-piggledy mess.
Note
• It was surprise to see minarets which are traditional signs of Islam in the Royal Pavilion.
31/07/2022 17:42
Tottenham Hotspur
5552
Phrases
• One of fan swooped into the pitch by looking dazedly.
• I'm always bored in the place that have higgledy-piggledy mess.
Note
• It was surprise to see minarets which are traditional signs of Islam in the Royal Pavilion.
14/04/2021
points
I'ld love to visit Brighton and its beaches! Of course, if I have the opportunity, why not feel and presence a PL match?
"Palookaville" was the temporaly name for The Amex Stadium
14/04/2021 15:50
Arsenal
1512
I'ld love to visit Brighton and its beaches! Of course, if I have the opportunity, why not feel and presence a PL match?
"Palookaville" was the temporaly name for The Amex Stadium
31/01/2021
points
Good information.
31/01/2021 15:23
Wolverhampton Wanderers
100
Good information.
15/06/2020
points
Brighton & Hove Albion is a new club in the EPL and I have no idea about the team's history or the playing style.
Albion is a literal word refers to ancient or historical times.
My favourite player in Brighton could be Alireza Jahanbakhsh because I liked his overhead goal against Chelsea.
Wish the best of luck to all Brighton & Hove Albion fans.
15/06/2020 14:52
Manchester United
6536
Brighton & Hove Albion is a new club in the EPL and I have no idea about the team's history or the playing style.
Albion is a literal word refers to ancient or historical times.
My favourite player in Brighton could be Alireza Jahanbakhsh because I liked his overhead goal against Chelsea.
Wish the best of luck to all Brighton & Hove Albion fans.
29/04/2020
points
I know that two Colombian players have played for this club.
29/04/2020 23:21
Manchester United
496
I know that two Colombian players have played for this club.
27/05/2019
points
Hi, I lived in Brighton in the early 90s and didn't even know there existed a football team. What place did they end up this season?
27/05/2019 21:06
Liverpool
39
Hi, I lived in Brighton in the early 90s and didn't even know there existed a football team. What place did they end up this season?
28/05/2019
points
Hi Shankland,
They were a lower league team in the 90s and played outside the city for some periods. I think they nearly went out of business! It's a great story. They finished 17th last season in their second Premier League season - just escaping relegation.
Rich - The Premier Skills English Team
28/05/2019 08:10
Liverpool
594
Hi Shankland,
They were a lower league team in the 90s and played outside the city for some periods. I think they nearly went out of business! It's a great story. They finished 17th last season in their second Premier League season - just escaping relegation.
Rich - The Premier Skills English Team
12/03/2019
points
The Seagulls are likely to finish the 14-th this season.
12/03/2019 14:39
Liverpool
6562
The Seagulls are likely to finish the 14-th this season.
20/11/2018
points
I hope Alireza Jahanbakhsh will shine like a diamond in his first year in premier league.
He is an Iranian, and we support him from Iran.
20/11/2018 07:53
Manchester United
17
I hope Alireza Jahanbakhsh will shine like a diamond in his first year in premier league.
He is an Iranian, and we support him from Iran.
22/07/2018
points
Brighton's beach is full of stones.Can't they buy some sand?
22/07/2018 13:10
Liverpool
14
Brighton's beach is full of stones.Can't they buy some sand?
11/07/2018
points
;)
11/07/2018 04:38
Manchester United
896
;)
09/07/2018
points
It was interesting text. And I would Like to visit Brighton. Becouse of night life, cost, history and, of course football.
09/07/2018 22:25
Chelsea
117
It was interesting text. And I would Like to visit Brighton. Becouse of night life, cost, history and, of course football.
10/05/2018
points
Wery interseting story.when I read this text about Brighton I felt like I read some romantic story.When I read this text about Brighton I felt like I read some romantic story.I mean their struggle and their home support,that is very nice,and I think this club have a soul.It is not a big club with too much money and investments but they know how to play football and their fans support them with hart.I would like to visit Brighton very much.Firstly I would like to visit Brighton pier and Brighton beach.
1984 was the last time Brighton played in the top division.
The Amex Stadium is currently known as a Brighton stadium
The Seagulls is Brighton's nickname.
Brighton is on the south coast of England.
M23 is the motorway,which is also know as a name of the derby between Crystal Palace and Brighton.
Fat Boy Slim is the name of the famous DJ who supports Brighton,and he also owns 12% of the football club.
10/05/2018 07:53
Manchester United
2663
Wery interseting story.when I read this text about Brighton I felt like I read some romantic story.When I read this text about Brighton I felt like I read some romantic story.I mean their struggle and their home support,that is very nice,and I think this club have a soul.It is not a big club with too much money and investments but they know how to play football and their fans support them with hart.I would like to visit Brighton very much.Firstly I would like to visit Brighton pier and Brighton beach.
1984 was the last time Brighton played in the top division.
The Amex Stadium is currently known as a Brighton stadium
The Seagulls is Brighton's nickname.
Brighton is on the south coast of England.
M23 is the motorway,which is also know as a name of the derby between Crystal Palace and Brighton.
Fat Boy Slim is the name of the famous DJ who supports Brighton,and he also owns 12% of the football club.
18/11/2017
points
;)
18/11/2017 12:39
Manchester United
180
;)
02/08/2017
points
Correct me
I haven't heard much about this club until this article. Thank yoy for this, it was very interesting article.
I think next year will be very hard for Brighton. Premier League is another level of football and them need to fight every minute of every match if they want to stay in Premier League.
02/08/2017 19:26
Chelsea
241
Correct me
I haven't heard much about this club until this article. Thank yoy for this, it was very interesting article.
I think next year will be very hard for Brighton. Premier League is another level of football and them need to fight every minute of every match if they want to stay in Premier League.
02/08/2017
points
Brighton seaside must be like Bretagne where I enjoyed one month as a holidays colonist when I was a children in 1957.
02/08/2017 17:18
Manchester City
3988
Brighton seaside must be like Bretagne where I enjoyed one month as a holidays colonist when I was a children in 1957.
02/08/2017
points
Maybe the problem is on my side but I cannot listen to Norman on this page. Please check.
02/08/2017 12:22
Watford
4417
Maybe the problem is on my side but I cannot listen to Norman on this page. Please check.
02/08/2017
points
Hi Liubomyr
The problem is not on your end! We haven't recorded the interviews yet !
I think we want to work through them one at a time.
Thanks
Jack - The Premier Skills English Team
02/08/2017 16:51
Arsenal
560
Hi Liubomyr
The problem is not on your end! We haven't recorded the interviews yet !
I think we want to work through them one at a time.
Thanks
Jack - The Premier Skills English Team
02/08/2017
points
In my mind Brighton has been connected to the Brighton and Rottingdean Seashore Electric Railway, which was also known as “Daddy Long-Legs”. It was the transport system which served for just few years but as a transport it was completely unique and has no parallel in history.
02/08/2017 11:58
Watford
4417
In my mind Brighton has been connected to the Brighton and Rottingdean Seashore Electric Railway, which was also known as “Daddy Long-Legs”. It was the transport system which served for just few years but as a transport it was completely unique and has no parallel in history.
02/08/2017
points
I hadn't heard of that - really strange looking, but also cool. I wish it were still around.
02/08/2017 16:52
Arsenal
560
I hadn't heard of that - really strange looking, but also cool. I wish it were still around.
02/08/2017
points
During previous season I watched highlight of Championship matches and I think that Brighton was the most consistent team in the league. It’s a pity that they lost the Championship title in the last day of the season. In my opinion Knockaert was the best player of the season in Championship.
That’s why I expect that Brighton could show a quality football next season and will stay in the Premier League.
02/08/2017 11:47
Watford
4417
During previous season I watched highlight of Championship matches and I think that Brighton was the most consistent team in the league. It’s a pity that they lost the Championship title in the last day of the season. In my opinion Knockaert was the best player of the season in Championship.
That’s why I expect that Brighton could show a quality football next season and will stay in the Premier League.