Hull’s relegation from the Premier League means that fans of London clubs will spend less time travelling north-east next season, as they have already been spared long trips to Sunderland and Middlesbrough. Instead, they will enjoy the luxury of a short trip to the beautiful south coast for a game against Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Seagulls will be playing in the top flight for the first time since 1983. After suffering play-off heartache in three of the last four seasons Chris Hughton’s men finally managed to avoid the end of season lottery this term by winning automatic promotion with a second-placed finish, so they will take their place among football’s elite in August.
Away fans are very well looked after at the fantastic Amex Stadium, Brighton’s home for the past six years, with padded seats and team-friendly décor in the away end. Expect guest beers and friendly, knowledgeable staff as well. Falmer station is right next to the ground, with a regular matchday service to and from Brighton.
Arsenal fans will be familiar with this hospitality, having played (and won) FA Cup ties in 2013 and 2015. Chelsea and Spurs have also visited for pre-season friendlies, with Harry Redknapp’s men providing the opposition for one of the “ramp-up”’ events before the stadium opening in August 2011.
Brighton should be very difficult to beat on their home pitch but that’s not the only attraction of this particular trip to the south coast. Why not bring the family for a day out in one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the country? Arriving by train, football fans will turn left to catch their connecting train to Falmer.
The rest of the family can walk straight out of the station and within five minutes be in the heart of bohemian Brighton, North Laine. A hive of relaxed shopping, craft beer houses, restaurants and coffee shops, it is a genuinely relaxed and friendly environment.
Further down towards the seafront, you can dodge the mayhem of the Churchill Square shops by wandering into The Lanes. This is the ancient site of the fishing village of Brighthelmstone, now a twisting maze of narrow streets and alleys. Here you will find designer boutiques, jewellery and antique shops, as well as dozens of funky bars and cafes.
On the seafront itself, the walk along the promenade is punctuated by more bars, as well as the delights of the Palace Pier and the 360, a massive new tower which will transport you more than 400 feet above the city in a huge glass pod. The locals are split on whether it is an “icon or eyesore”, so you can make up your own mind.
Just off the seafront is the Brighton Pavilion, the massive folly of a palace built by the future King George IV. The palace mixes Indian and Chinese style with Regency grandeur. When the football finishes, meet up for a meal in one of the hundreds of restaurants dotted around the city, before taking the hour-long ride back to London on one of the frequent train services.
Brighton and Hove Albion will surprise a few people on the pitch next season. More than a few visiting supporters will find little joy on the pitch but a day out in Brighton will always deliver the right result.
by Ian Hine
The post Football: What to expect in Brighton, Premier League Fans appeared first on Felix Magazine.
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