Brighton are global and watching them in Asia quite the experience

What has been you favourite place to watch Brighton play the beautiful game? No, this is not meant to be a trick question.

The obvious answer for most Albion fans will be the Amex Stadium. It has been the home of the Seagulls since 2011 and we have all enjoyed a growing number of absolute classics there, especially since promotion to the Premier League in 2017.

All of the European Super League Elite Six have lost at the Amex, some more than once. And hopefully soon we will be able to welcome some of Europe’s biggest clubs (and the odd one from Kazakhstan) whether that be in the Champions League, Europa League or Conference.

However, some of you might prefer to follow Brighton on the road. Who does not like a trip to the London Stadium? A result is almost guaranteed. Away games at Goodison Park and even Anfield have been happy occasions in recent seasons too.

Away matches tend to have a better atmosphere with more vocal support. And the home side might actually try and play football, rather than defending against Brighton in a low-block with 11 players behind the ball.

For all our glorious performances against the so-called big teams at the Amex, the Albion still struggle at times to open up opponents who arrive at Falmer with the intention of wasting time and faking head injuries, which we have unfortunately seen on too many occasions of late.

I realise of course not all Brighton fans are lucky enough to be in the position to actually go and watch matches inside stadiums.

There is nothing wrong with following the Seagulls on television at home, via Sky, BT Sport, Amazon, with a dodgy Russian stream or on the big screen in your local pub.

Let me add one more option of where to watch the Albion for those of you who lead a nomadic lifestyle or like making use of your passport by travelling.

But first, a little introduction. Bear with me as we go on a slight diversion by asking the question – what is a big club?

Historical achievements? That is what fans of Everton, Aston Villa and The Leeds United would like you to believe. Then again, most of these achievements were before a lot of football fans were even born.

At what point does history stop being enough for a club to be big? Nobody calls Preston North End or Huddersfield Town big clubs these days, right?

Perhaps the size of the stadium makes a club big? I am not so sure about this either. The Stadium of Light can host a respectable 49,000 fans, but let us be realistic and not call Sunderland a big club.

Hillsborough can accommodate just under 40,000 but Sheffield Wednesday is just not a big club in anybody’s opinion outside of Sheffield or at a stretch, Yorkshire.

So here is my take on what makes a club big: global presence. Big clubs have support around the world, in far flung places you would not expect.

I have visited O’Hanlon’s in New York to watch an Arsenal game with hundreds of Gooners. Under duress, of course.

In Singapore, numerous Newcastle United fans meet up every matchday at The Penny Black on Boat Quay. There used to be an actual Manchester United pub on Sukhumvit Soi 11, the busiest and most popular nightlife street in Bangkok. Big clubs have supporters all over the world.

And so too Brighton. The Albion are not only challenging for a top six spot in the Premier League, but they now have a global presence.

I watched Brighton draw 3-3 with Brentford in Jomtien on the Thai South coast. The pub? The incredible Seagull Sports Bar and Restaurant.

If you find yourself in Thailand, make sure to visit this absolute gem. Mark is a lifelong Albion fan and runs the place alongside his wife Ai; they will welcome you with open arms.

The pub is full of Albion memorabilia. The staff wear replica shirts. The beers are cold, the food is tasty and the service is impeccable and super friendly.

Besides, you will genuinely be watching your favourite team with other Albion fans who have made Thailand their home, those who are on holiday in the region or the increasing number of locals making Brighton their English team.

Jomtien is only a two hour drive from Bangkok and a taxi will cost you less than £30. Check out their YouTube channel or add the Seagull Sports Bar on Facebook.

If you are in a position to pay them a visit, I guarantee you will have a great evening. Nearly as good as watching the team at the Amex or The London Stadium.

Marco Hof