What they said 2016/17: Brighton & Hove Albion
After the disappointment of losing in the play-offs to Sheffield Wednesday, Brighton’s main focus for the 2016-17 season was earning a place in the Premier League.
And it was a campaign to remember for the Seagulls, as they gained promotion to the top flight for the first time in 34 years.
But Chris Houghton’s men would be denied the title after conceding a late equaliser to Aston Villa to hand Newcastle United the league.
Signing Steve Sidwell
After securing his services for the end of the 2015-16 season, it was crucial Brighton inked experienced midfielder Steve Sidwell on a permanent basis.
And the former Villa man opted to join the Seagulls from Stoke on a free transfer, a pivotal signing which left Houghton delighted.
“He knows exactly what the Championship is all about and what it takes to get promoted,” said Houghton of Sidwell.
“He was excellent for us in the run-in, and was a key figure on and off the pitch as one of the senior members of the squad.”
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Newcastle hammer blow
Newcastle and Brighton would battle it out all season for the right to be called Championship winners and it was the Magpies that struck the first blow with a dominant 2-0 victory. Houghton demanded a response.
“Newcastle were very efficient but it feels like a missed opportunity. They scored from two set-pieces and although they hit the bar, we had the better chances.
“We are disappointed because we felt we had a good chance today and we didn’t pose as much of a threat as we should have.”
Going top of the table in December
And what a response he got, Brighton would lose just two more games before the end of January and went top of the table in December with a 2-0 victory over promotion rivals Leeds United.
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“We’ll talk no more about the following week or where we are in the table, but we have to be delighted.
“Not only with the table, but with the performances and consistency from this group of lads.”
Finally back in the big time
Brighton kept up their consistency and secured promotion to the Premier League for the first time with a victory over Wigan Athletic at the Amex Stadium, thrilling Houghton.
“It had something to do with how the season ended last season, but I think it was more the fact that the players enjoyed being up that end of the table, competing, getting into the play-offs.
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“I think it was a conscious decision that they wanted that again, and the signs were there early in the season.
“We recruited well early in the season, in the summer, but it was a real steely determination from the group of players that wanted to do it again.”
Late drama costs Brighton the title
But despite needing just three points from their remaining three games to win the title, Brighton would pick up just one point and had to settle for second after a David Stockdale blunder handed Villa a draw and Newcastle the title.
“Today is a negative day, it’s difficult, but there are far more pluses. What these lads have achieved this season has been magnificent,” a despondent Houghton said after the match.
“David [Stockdale] has been excellent for us all season and he had made two very good saves from free-kicks before. There’s never any portion of blame. We have to accept it as a team.”
