Sussex

Image source, Getty Images

Brighton midfielder Billy Gilmour spoke to BBC Radio Sussex at the club's player of the year awards about his second season on the south coast: "We've had a really good season. We've had a lot of injuries which has played a big part, people have had to step up and be counted.

"Europe was an amazing adventure and we want to do that again. There's so many positives from this season

"The fans have been everywhere, it's a season they're probably going to remember for life. We want to return the favour by winning games, three games left and we want to finish strong for them.

"I've enjoyed this season a lot, I've played with more confidence. I've learnt a lot about myself, so for me it's been a real joy to put on a Brighton shirt every week and know I'm in the starting eleven to give my best.

"We know if we win these three games it could be a totally different end to the season."

On the Euros in the summer, Gilmour added: "I'm really excited, It's going to be a special moment out in Germany. To say you've played in the opening game against Germany would be a very special thing."

Image source, Getty Images

Pascal Gross spoke to BBC Radio Sussex after being named as Brighton's player of the year: "It's massive for me because it's all about the fans, people who come to the stadium. I think we have a special connection and I'm proud walking out to stadiums in Europe and seeing our sections full with fans who are proud. That gives me satisfaction.

"If you're an athlete and you keep pushing and trying your best every day, it means a lot when your fellow professionals award you. That means a lot to me, it's something really special.

"I have a beautiful family and I can do what I love, playing football. I can play it at the highest level at the moment and I'm enjoying it every day when I come to training.

"With our coach, we're very lucky to have him, everyone knows that. I'm learning every day and I want to learn. I think you need to be open minded, It doesn't matter how young or old you are."

Image source, Getty Images

It was strange to see so many empty seats dotted around Amex Stadium for the victory over Aston Villa last Sunday - but it was a reminder nothing stands still in football.

If someone had asked Brighton fans a decade ago if they would still be up for a home game against a Champions League challenger in a season where they have experienced European football for the first time, despite a run of poor form, I suspect they would all have said yes.

But the reality is different.

Brighton fans recognise the giant strides that have been made under the stewardship of owner Tony Bloom. But that does not mean they judge everything through the prism of the club nearly going bust.

For some fans, the current era is all the know. They expect the team to be competitive in the top flight.

The tricky bit for Bloom and chief executive Paul Barber is managing the expectations.

Ask any great sportsman and they will tell you getting to the top (or top six in this case) is exceptionally difficult.

Staying there is even harder.

Here are the key facts and figures before Saturday's game between Newcastle and Brighton in the Premier League.

• Having failed to either win or score in their first four Premier League home games against Brighton, Newcastle have won 2-1 and 4-1 in their last two matches against the Seagulls at St James’ Park.

• Brighton are looking to complete the league double over Newcastle for the third time - previously doing so in 2020-21 and 1978-79.

• Newcastle have scored in all 18 of their Premier League home games so far this season. They most recently scored in 100% of their home league games in a single campaign in 1982-83 and have not done so in the top-flight since 1958-59.

• Since beating Sheffield United 5-0 in February, Brighton have scored just five goals in their past 10 Premier League games. It is their lowest return in a 10-game spell since netting four times in 10 games between February and April 2022.

• Anthony Gordon has been involved in more home goals than any other Newcastle player in the Premier League this season (16 – nine goals, seven assists). It is the most by a player at St James’ Park in a single top-flight campaign since Alan Shearer in 2003-04 (18 – 15 goals, three assists).

• Joao Pedro has scored nine league goals this season - he could be the fourth different player to net double figures in a single Premier League campaign for Brighton after Glenn Murray (twice), Neal Maupay and Alexis Mac Allister.

Brighton defender Adam Webster says "it has been a difficult season" for everyone at the club because of the amount of injuries to key players.

Albion's hopes of a second successive season in Europe were ended after developing a lengthy injury list since the turn of the year and the poor results that followed.

The likes of Solly March, Kaoru Mitoma, Pervis Estupinan, Evan Ferguson and Jack Hinshelwood have all been long-term absentees and will not return before the end of the season.

"It has been a difficult," Webster told BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited Podcast. "First-half of the season was really good, but then since January not so good.

"We have had a lot of injuries and some bad results.

"It has been difficult for everyone but personally for me it has been tough. I have not had any rhythm of playing games and when you come in and out it is difficult to find your feet."

Webster has made 12 appearances for the club this season, which is a stark contrast to 27 in the last campaign.

"I have not hit the heights that I know I am capable of so that has been frustrating," added Webster. "Hopefully now I can push on and look forward to next season.

"We have had a lot of big players missing and that does not help any team. But it has given opportunities to those who would not usually play, so in the long run that will make us better."

Listen to the Albion Unlimited Podcast on BBC Sounds