The players play the game – and these Brighton players are great

I am sure many fans feel a little lost right now, as I do. It is been a whirlwind two weeks and nobody seems entirely sure where we are the present time.

However, with the dust settled on Graham Potter’s departure to Chelsea, there are Reasons to be Cheerful as Ian Dury and The Blockheads sung a while back.

A fresh chapter may be about to begin for Brighton in a new era under new manager Roberto De Zerbi. Thankfully though, we still have the two constants in our midst of Mr Tony Bloom and Mr Paul Barber. They will guide the Albion onwards and upwards.

Like many you, I was really disappointed in Potter leaving as his job was not yet finished. It just goes to show that no matter what people say about long-term projects and ambitions, you can never believe what you hear.

Money talks folks, but we all know that. Take away the disappointment and you can never blame an ambitious person for wanting to better themselves, or wanting to secure a financial future for their family.

Who in their right mind would turn down any job with the financial package of £12 million a year which was offered to Potter?

Even if he cannot work his magic at Stamford Bridge and ends up sacked long before his five-year contract ends, he will get a very nice payoff to spend shopping in Waitrose whilst on gardening leave.

I personally wish Potter well, knowing that the foundations he laid at Brighton and with the Albion squad will remain with the players even after his departure.

Throughout my career spanning many years, I have been fortunate to have worked under many good managers… and a few not-so-good ones.

Under the not-so-good-ones, we all tend to coast along not doing our best. Under the good ones, people learn and improve and it benefits their abilities and careers.

Potter has had a positive impact on all the players he has worked with. He has taught them to believe in themselves and helped them to levels good enough to be flying high in the Premier League table.

It is those players who play the game, not the manager. And this Brighton squad is full of great players. There is no reason whatsoever why they will not continue under De Zerbi the same way they did at the back end of 2021-22 and in the first six games of the new season.

Brighton do not play again until going to Anfield at the start of October. The short break due to the loss of our dear Queen, the Crystal Palace game being postponed due to a planned rail strike and the international break came at an ideal time really.

It will allow the players and De Zerbi the chance to readjust and apply themselves for six more weeks of football leaving up to the World Cup in November.

Another sign of how good these Brighton players are is that a number of them will be in Qatar, doing us proud. We wish them every success, of course.

It does not seem like Lewis Dunk will be going with England. I was disappointed not to see Gareth Southgate bring our captain into the squad in place of Harry Maguire, who has spent more time on the bench this season than I have on my office chair.

Talking of England, one former international has really stepped up to the mark for Brighton since Potter’s departure. Adam Lallana has put his experience and leadership skills to good use, coming in for praise from Mr Barber.

With individuals like Lallana still onboard, there are people to continue to install into the players what Potter taught them. Along with the ideas of the De Zerbi, of course.

We know that the Albion never give up. They fight until the last whistle is blown. Now is the time to start getting excited about how this new chapter pans out, when our beloved Brighton restart the season with enthused ambition and effort.

Good luck to the players, De Zerbi and one final message for Potter – hands off cherry picking our team in the January transfer window.

Finally I am so proud to say that the Amex Superstore will be taking stock of my book very soon, The Seagulls Best Ever Season.

If you pop in during the week or before a home game, be sure to have a look. Hopefully, it will find its way into your Christmas stocking!

Up the Albion.

Tony Noble @Noble1844Tony