Season Preview: Brighton & Hove Albion

Last updated : 06 August 2005 By Bob Gear
How did you fare last season?
Stayed up with a draw on the last day of the season against Ipswich.

How do you expect you'll do this season?
We'll be struggling to avoid relegation once again without a doubt.

What have you done on the transfer market this summer? Which of your new signings are you expecting most from?
We've lost 2 good youngsters, Adam Virgo (central Defender & sometime striker who top scored last season) for £1.5m to Celtic and Dan Harding to Leeds for up to £850k.
We won the Coca-Cola £250k in the summer and bought Colin Kazim-Richards from Bury with the money. We also paid for Federico Turienzo, from Gimnasia Y Esgrima La Plata in the Argentine Top Division. We got in Jason Dodd who was released by Southampton. Apart from that we have a couple of loan signings, Paul McShane a 19 year old central defender from Man United, and Wayne Henderson a keeper from Villa.

Where do you think you'll need to strengthen in the January transfer window?
All over the pitch I expect!!

Have you any promising youngsters breaking into the team?
Yes, Jake Robinson should get a few games this Season, a skillful forward but at only 5'5" might be a bit light for this division.

Have you got the right man in charge of the team? Will he still be there at the end of the season?
Mark McGhee is the boss, he'll be there unless someone offers money for him (we'll take money from anyone!)

Is the club being run well? Are you likely to be singing 'Sack the board' any time soon?
Dick Knight took over the Club while we were having to play home games at Gillingham in '97 after the Goldstone was robbed from us by the previous board. We're still waiting for an answer from your MP as to whether or not we'll get a new ground at Falmer.

Which team do you most want to beat and why?
Palace. Because of Boxing Day!!

Who do you think's going up?
Norwich, Palace, and Leeds through the play-offs.

Who do you think's going down?
Cardiff, Watford, Millwall.

How do you reckon Hull City will fare in the Championship?
Mid-table. You've got a decent Manager, a nice Stadium with big support. You'll be well able to hold your own in this division.

Bob Gear is editor of Brighton And Hove Albion Weblinks.