Top 5 moments in Seagulls history
With the Qatar World Cup under way, we have a break from Premier League action and have to wait until the end of December to see if the Seagulls can maintain their excellent top-flight form.
You’ll have to use your best free bets on England instead of Brighton, for the time being! Whilst the world’s best teams duke it out for international dominance, let’s take a respite to look back at all Brighton and Hove has achieved since its founding in 1901.
The club had humble beginnings and fans have been able to enjoy some incredible moments across its 100-plus year history.
But which have been the best moments? What games, seasons and achievements have defined the club and will forever stick in people’s minds? We look at this below and have listed our top five moments in Brighton’s history.
1) Winning the FA Charity Shield against Aston Villa
Did you know that the Seagulls have actually won the Community Shield? Yes! They lifted this trophy in 1910 and it currently stands as their only piece of silverware.
Back then, in ancient history, the Charity Shield was contested by the Southern League champions, and the Football League champions compared to the winners of the EPL and FA Cup today. The Seagulls defeated Aston Villa 1-0, with the goal being scored by Charlie Webb.
While the Charity Shield was contested by the winners of these leagues, Brighton was the only Southern League team to win it! After the game, they were crowned as the Champions of all England – very impressive!
2) Winning League One in the 2010-11 season
Brighton had enjoyed previous success in top-flight football in the 80s but after that until their current form, there was much mediocrity.
However, one of the turning points and a memorable season was when Brighton won League One and gained automatic promotion to the Championship in the 2010-11 season.
This would mark the end of lower-league competing and since this point, Brighton have never been lower than the second-tier league.
This season would also be the last at Withdean Stadium and see the club move to its current home at the Falmer Stadium, with a much-improved setup, capacity and facilities.
3) Reaching the FA Cup Final in 1983
Younger Seagulls fans won’t even know that their team reached the FA Cup Final in 1983! Indeed, even some of the middle-aged supporters were only wee nippers when this feat happened.
This was a bittersweet year for the club as they were actually relegated after a last place finish in what was then called League One.
Despite that, Brighton managed to reach the FA Cup Final where they faced Manchester United. Back then, there were no penalties and the first match ended 2-2.
They had a chance to win but Gordon Smith couldn’t put the ball away and that was the last kick of the game. Unfortunately, the replay ended in a 4-0 thumping. Regardless, it stands as the club’s best tournament finish outside the Charity Shield.
4) The 2021-22 EPL season with a ninth place finish
After several years of mid to bottom table finishes in the Premier League, things were admittedly looking uncertain, and the Seagulls were not sure if they had a home in top-flight football.
However, that changed after the 2021-22 season. To date, this was Brighton’s best ever Premier League finish. They finished in ninth place, which was a dramatic improvement on previous years, and were only five points short of qualifying for the Europa Conference League.
This exceeded everyone’s expectations and 51 points marked their best statistical season in the EPL too. This included 12 wins and 15 draws and gave the team an amazing foundation to build on for the current season.
Hopefully, this year they can finish higher and maybe even secure a spot in Europe, which would top all of the current achievements on this list!
5) Thrashing Man U 4-0 in the EPL
How the mighty fall. Who would have thought that the Seagulls would be in a position to smash one of the most decorated English clubs of all time, in a 4-0 battering? It happened, though, in amazing style and this game had some notable implications too.
For example, Moisés Caicedo was the 100th player to score his first EPL goal against the Red Devils. Additionally, this humiliating defeat resulted in United failing to qualify for the Champions League the following season – fantastic!
It was an incredible game and the goals started flowing after just 15 minutes. Everything went right and it stands as one of Brighton’s biggest and best wins in the Premier League.
These are undoubtedly the best moments in terms of achievements and progression to top-flight football. Promotions, winning leagues and going far in tournaments are what it’s all about.
There have been some darker moments too, like the atrocious 1997-98 campaign with losses to Barnet, but there is definitely more good than bad!
As you can see, this history, although perhaps modest compared to other EPL teams, has paved the way for Brighton to turn into an excellent club with a bright future in the Premier League.
We can’t wait for the season to start again (hopefully, play will recommence with England bringing home the World Cup!) and for the Seagulls to continue smashing it against the nation’s greatest footballers.
