Tag: Brighton and Hove Albion

Opposition in focus: Watford (A)

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Brighton and Hove Albion begin their second season in the Premier League away to Watford on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 15:00).

The Seagulls drew 0-0 at Vicarage Road last season – a fixture which Albion fans will fondly remember after Miguel Britos’ moment of madness led to a dangerous lunge on Anthony Knockaert and subsequent red card. Pascal Groß’s 64th minute strike earned Brighton a 1-0 victory in their last encounter at the Amex back in December.

Watford finished a place and a point ahead of Albion in the table back in May, but some suggest that their top flight status is under serious threat this season.

They have been notoriously quick out of the blocks during a league campaign, accumulating the majority of points needed for survival before Christmas. They are also notorious for seeing their form jump out of the window, and the Club consequently drop from European contenders to Premier League survivalists. Some predict that the contrasting form and constant managerial changes will eventually catch up with them, whilst others believe that they will be in for a fully fledged relegation battle this season.

Watford supporter Adam Rowe explains how the Hornets could surprise a few this season, should they can keep their key players fit.

How have Watford fared in pre-season?

“Results wise it’s been a very successful pre-season for us. We have gone throughout the whole summer unbeaten, however key players such as Abdoulaye Doucoure, Nathaniel Chalobah and Gerard Deulofeu have yet to feature due to injury, which is a cause for concern.”

How would you rate the Hornet’s transfer window? Have any new signings impressed? What are your views on Richarlison’s big-money move to Everton? 

“The biggest signing of our window has been the contract extension of Doucoure, he is a massive player for us. The permanent signing of Gerard Deulofeu is pleasing too, he showed in glimpses how valuable he could be to us before he got injured.

“Although it’s disappointing that Richarlison departed (particularly because he’s going to join Marco Silva), it’s a huge fee that the club were never going to turn down. He didn’t make the starting-11 for large parts of the second half of last season so I’m pretty confident we will be okay without him.”

Javi Gracia has been in charge for a while now, has he implemented a new style that the fans are happy with?

“Javi Gracia has certainly divided opinion amongst Watford fans. He is most definitely a nice guy and based on personality he is well liked. However, his playing style in the second half of last season was somewhat negative and we eventually crawled over the line in terms of survival.

“But he did what he was brought into do, which was to keep us in the league. We are yet to score a goal away from home under Gracia and have only picked up a solitary away point. That away form has got to change or I feel fans could soon be on his back. In my view I think now he has had pre-season he can be better judged.”

Who would you say are the danger men Brighton should watch out for?

“Will Hughes has been nothing short of superb when he’s been fit. He is a match winner for us and makes the team tick through his creativity. Another is Roberto Pereyra – he finished the season in very good form so again if he is on song then he can be a real threat. Then there is the obvious one in Doucoure, our player of the season last year and a firm fan favourite, when he plays well Watford tend to.”

What are your opinions on Brighton’s heavy spending this summer and how do you think the Seagulls will do this season?

“I think Brighton will probably replicate what they did last season in terms of the main aim has to be survival first and then trying to finish as high up as possible. You guys have certainly brought in some reinforcements, which I think is key to your chances of survival. The second season always tends to be harder than the first so it was key that you freshened up the squad. The Seagulls have a top manager in Chris Hughton and I think you’ll stay up again this season.”

Are there any Brighton players that you feel Watford need to keep an eye on? Do
you expect to see another Britos v Knockaert battle?

We have signed a new left back over the summer, Adam Masina and from what I have seen of him I have been impressed. He is probably much more suited to dealing with Knockaert. I am sure Knockaert will be subject to his usual pantomime abuse. Personally I think he is a massive player for the Seagulls and always tends to play pretty well against us.

Where do you think Watford will end up this season?

If we keep the squad fit, I think we can honestly challenge to come in the top half of the table. However if we have the injury record we have had in the last two seasons then I fear for us this season. Signing a striker before the deadline would certainly bolster our chances of a successful season. On the whole I think it’s another season of finishing in mid-table.

Finally, what do you think the score will be on Saturday?

I will always back us at home so I will go with a tight 2-1 Hornets win.

**You can follow Adam on Twitter (@adzrowe) and read his own blog here: https://adamrowefootball.blogspot.com/.

 

 

Brighton target Yves Bissouma would help unlock their attacking pedigree.

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The 21-year-old midfielder has been linked with a move to the Premier League over the last few days, and he could be the signing that makes Chris Hughton’s team one to watch in 2018/19.

Brighton and Hove Albion are reportedly closing in on Lille midfielder Yves Bissouma.

The Ligue 1 club want £17.5m for their man’s services, and the 21-year-old looks set to reject Portuguese giants Porto in favour of a move to the Amex stadium, should the Seagulls cough up the money.

Many Albion fans will agree that the Club has been very shrewd in the transfer market this summer – but this big money deal could well be the star signing that makes the Seagulls one of the teams to watch out for in 2018/19. Bissouma would not only bolster the centre of Brighton’s midfield, but also help unlock their attacking pedigree.

The central midfielder broke into the first team at Lille two years ago and made 30 appearances for Les Dogues last season. He has already got 15 international caps for Mali and has scored three goals for his country.

According to whoscored.com, Bissouma recorded his best stats playing as a defensive midfielder – with a rating of 7.62. Should he take up a defensive role within the Albion line-up, it would enable Dale Stephens or Davy Propper to take up a more attacking position next season.

Propper has been used as a number 10 in the Dutch national team, and could now look to support Pascal Gross further up the pitch when the side are threatening in the final third.

Bissouma would hopefully help improve the team’s away record next season, which is one of the aims I’m sure Chris Hughton has for the upcoming campaign.

Brighton finished bottom of the away form table in 2017-18, registering just two wins (against West Ham United and Swansea City) and 11 points away from the Amex. Bissouma would add that extra protection for the backline. His physical presence, with Shane Duffy and Lewis Dunk behind him, could provide Brighton with a strong defensive spine that enables them to build a more offensive team around them.

It’s not clear yet how Hughton plans to set his side up next season – with plenty of forward options to choose from: Glenn Murray, Jurgen Locadia, Florin Andone, Tomer Hemed and Sam Baldock.

He could go 5-3-2, with Gross and either Stephens, Propper or Beram Kayal pushing forward to support the two strikers. Jose Izquierdo, Solly March, Bernardo and Bruno could all play as wing backs, leaving Dunk, Duffy and Balogun as a solid back three.

I very much doubt he will continue to use the relatively successful 4-4-1-1 formation which he used predominantly last season, considering who has joined the club since last August.

We must remember that the Bissouma deal hasn’t been finalised yet, but should it happen, Albion fans should get very excited for the season ahead.

Brighton and Hove Albion linked with left-backs from Liverpool, Schalke and Ingolstadt.

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The Seagulls need to fill the position following Sebastian Pocognoli’s decision to return to Standard Liege. 

Brighton and Hove Albion are looking to further strengthen their squad ahead of the new Premier League season, which begins in just 45 days.

Following the arrivals of midfielder Pascal Groß and goalkeeper Mat Ryan, the focus now switches to securing a left-back that’ll bolster Chris Hughton’s defence.

Gaëtan Bong is the only natural left-back currently in the squad. The Cameroonian has played well during his time on the south coast, but it’s unlikely he can play all 38 Premier League games and subsequent cup matches. It will be a gruelling campaign, and a backup is most definitely needed.

Liam Rosenior has played at left-back previously during his time at the Albion, but he is more likely to cover club captain Bruno at right-back this year. With Chris Hughton only allowed to register 25 players for the upcoming season, one would expect him to select four distinguished full-backs.

I’m sure I wasn’t the only Brighton fan who wanted Sebastian Pocognoli to stay after his loan spell last season. The Belgian brought a sense of calm and composure to the defence and will remembered for scoring a wonderful free-kick at Loftus Road against Queens Park Rangers- a goal that secured a vital three points in the Seagull’s promotion push.

Pocognoli insists Albion hadn’t offered any contract to him, and that he felt he couldn’t wait any longer for a deal to be put on the table. I therefore wish Poco all the best with Standard Liege.

Speculation has been floating around the media, with three defenders possibly being targeted by the Albion. But will they bring with them the quality that is needed to stay in the Premier League?

Liverpool’s Joe Gomez has been a name that has been whispered around since the start of the summer, with the 20-year-old looking to restart his career following a cruciate injury.

The youngster is good with both feet, and will push forward when his team are on the attack.

Gomez made just three appearances in the FA Cup last season following his long lay-off with injury, but did show early potential when he first broke into the Liverpool side two years ago.

Celtic have also been interested in acquiring his services, but according to The Mirror, the Seagulls have beaten them to his signature.  

There has been a lot more activity over in Germany, with Austrian international Markus Suttner unhappy that Ingolstadt won’t allow him to leave the club.

Brighton made an offer of around £2m for the defender which was rejected, and according to the player’s agent, the 30-year-old wants his ‘dream move to the Premier League’.

Suttner made 38 appearances for Ingolstadt last season, and made an average of three interceptions per match. His key strengths are his passing and ability to run up and down the left channel. He has also represented Austria 18 times.

The final player who hasn’t had as much attention is Schalke’s Dennis Aogo.

The German can play left back and defensive midfield, and is also out of contract at the end of the month.

Aogo is renowned in Germany for his passing ability, but his defending has raised eyebrows. The 30-year old featured predominantly for Schalke in the Europa League last season, and struggled to break into the side for their league matches.

Of the three, I think Joe Gomez would be the pick of the bunch. The Liverpool youngster has some Premier League experience and will provide the defence with the necessary pace needed to keep up with some of the quickest and trickiest wingers in the world.

Whoever comes in needs to be on it from the first minute on opening weekend, when Manchester City come to town.

 

 

 

BHAFC: Mathew Ryan signs as Albion begin to show they mean business in the transfer window.

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The Australian goalkeeper has put pen to paper on a five-year deal. 

Brighton and Hove Albion have confirmed the signing of Australian goalkeeper Mat Ryan from Valencia for a club-record fee.

The 25-year old has signed a five-year deal with the Seagulls, and will join up with his new teammates after the Confederations Cup.

Ryan, who has been capped 32 times by his country, impressed whilst on loan at Genk last season.

There is no doubt he will add much-needed experience to the dressing room. The goalkeeper has a lot of top-flight football under his belt, having played in the Australian, Belgian and Spanish first division. He has also played in European competition.

Ryan’s CV reads many individual and team accolades, which include a Belgian Cup, Belgian Pro League Goalkeeper of the Year 2014 and 2015 and an AFC Asian Cup win with the Socceroos in 2015.

The Australian signed a six-year deal with Valencia two years ago, but failed to secure a spot in the team. He won’t have to worry about that at the Amex, as he will without doubt be the new Albion no.1- especially following David Stockdale’s exit earlier in the week.

The transfer fee hasn’t been published, although we have been told it is a club-record fee. Whispers on social media state the figure to be around the £5m mark, although with four years left on his contract that number strikes a bit too low for my liking.

Saying that, this could be the start of a positive summer for the Seagulls, ahead of their debut season in the Premier League.

One would hope that Brighton’s club-record fee will be broken again (maybe more than once) before the window closes. If the club want to secure a striker who will guarantee goals, or a centre back who will command the penalty area, surely they would cost more than £5m?

You’ve only got to look at other clubs in the league and how much money they are spending on transfers. Leicester City have spent almost £20m on Harry Maguire, whilst Everton splashed £57m yesterday on both Jordan Pickford and Davy Klaassen!

It’s hard to tell until we see Ryan in the Premier League if we got him on the cheap, but if he is just as good as the former Sunderland stopper, a player who cost six times as much, then we can all have a little chuckle to ourselves.

But this shows Brighton’s intent. The club are willing to break their transfer record to bring in the players that they believe will help the team avoid relegation. Chris Hughton has signed two exciting players in Pascal Groß and Ryan, who could become Albion heroes should the club retain their Premier League status.

We should expect more signings in the coming weeks, and following the two deals the club have secured so far, I can’t wait to see who the next person to walk through the Amex doors will be.

BHAFC: Two years of Chris Hughton.

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From relegation candidates to promotion favourites, Chris Hughton has transformed Brighton and Hove Albion into a formidable Championship side in just 24 months. 

Following two Play-off semi-final defeats to Crystal Palace and Derby County respectively, the 2014-15 season was beginning to look like a disastrous campaign for Brighton.

Manager Sami Hyypia, who had replaced Oscar Garcia at the start of that season, resigned after registering just one win in 18 league games, leaving the club in the bottom three with half the season to go.

On New Year’s Eve 2014, club chairman Tony Bloom unveiled Hughton as the new Seagulls boss on a three-and-a-half year contract.

Having previously taken Newcastle United up and guided Birmingham City to the Play-Offs, Hughton had the vital experience of the league, but more importantly, he had the man-management skills needed to help rejuvenate a squad lacking belief.

Two players to have benefited massively from Hughton’s man-management are goalkeeper David Stockdale and striker Sam Baldock. They were signed for the club when Hyypia came in, and both endured poor starts to their Albion careers.

Since Hughton’s come in, both have grown in ability and confidence, which has lead to them both becoming two of the first names on the team sheet.

Another quality Hughton has brought to the south coast is an improved recruitment team.

An early sign of this was the signing of Beram Kayal from Celtic in January 2015.

The Israel international midfielder was influential in the middle of the park for the Seagulls, helping them to survive in England’s second tier.

The Sussex side ended the season in 20th position, six points clear of relegation.

The summer of 2015 saw major changes at the Albion, with Gaetan Bong, Liam Rosenior, Tomer Hemed, Niki Maenpaa, Conor Goldson, Uwe Hunemeier, Jamie Murphy all joining the club- along with the returning Bobby Zamora.

Although the fans, players and the manager didn’t expect Brighton to struggle again in 2015-16, no-one would have expected what was to come.

The Seagulls went 21 games unbeaten- a club record- spanning from August to December.

Hughton’s simple use of 4-4-2 was proving effective, with the two central midfielders holding and breaking up play, they were able to set up counter-attacks for the two wingers and strikers. The tiki-taka style Poyet and Garcia implemented at the club had now finally evolved into the attacking style fans had been hoping for since the club moved to the Amex five years ago- and that is thanks to Hughton.

The quality continued to come through the doors, with Anthony Knockaert and Jiri Skalek signing in January of this year.

But more importantly, the belief and character within the dressing room was unlike any seen at the club before. Fans began to believe that promotion was very much possible, and that had an effect on the players.

The only thing lacking was a goalscorer. Hemed was the team’s top-scorer with 17 goals, but Zamora was second with just seven. In this division it’s not just about winning, but winning convincingly.

Michael Keane’s equaliser in stoppage time for promotion rivals Burnley at the Amex in April was an agonising blow, and a home draw to Derby County in the penultimate game of the season left the Seagulls on the verge of missing out on automatic promotion by the faintest of margins.

A final day showdown with Middlesbrough up at the Riverside was always going to be a tough match, and although the game ended a draw, Boro went up automatically by a single goal.

The players were on burnout after a long 46-game campaign, and were undone by Sheffield Wednesday in the Play-offs.

Worries of a Play-off hangover were squandered by Hughton, claiming the club would come back stronger both mentally and physically.

His wisdom, calmness and genuinely nice personality instantly reassured fans. They knew with Hughton in charge they could compete with the likes of Newcastle, Aston Villa, Norwich and Sheffield Wednesday.

The signing of Glenn Murray on a season-long loan from Bournemouth has another fantastic piece of business from Hughton, as well as the record £4.5m deal for the services of Ireland international Shane Duffy and the capture of Northern Ireland midfielder Oliver Norwood.

Hughton has proved his worth by keeping the same belief in the squad since he came in and that has reflected in Brighton’s results this season.

Having lost just twice all campaign, the club are currently on a 17 games unbeaten since September.

The difference this season is the jump in quality on the pitch. The team is now able to keep up wins without playing well- which is always a sign of a good side.

Duffy and Lewis Dunk have formed a rock-solid partnership, meaning that Brighton have the best defensive record in the league.

Murray, Baldock and Knockaert has also formed a fearsome partnership up top, with the three contributing to a majority of the Seagulls goals this season.

Under Hughton, Brighton have picked up 96 points in the calendar year, the most out of any side in the top four divisions.

Going into 2017 and Hughton’s third year in charge, the Seagulls are second in the Championship. They are just one point behind leaders Newcastle but more importantly they are eight clear of third placed Reading, with a much healthier goal difference.

Promotion to the Premier League with this team would be his most memorable achievement, and it would make 30,000 fans dreams come true.

 

 

 

BHAFC: Niki Mäenpää’s performance proved David Stockdale doesn’t need to be rushed back into first team action.

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Albion Analysis: #4 Rotherham United (H), 16th August 2016.

Brighton and Hove Albion moved to the top of the Sky Bet Championship after comfortably beating Rotherham United 3-0 at the Amex.

Goals from Anthony Knockaert, Glenn Murray and Tomer Hemed prolonged the Seagulls unbeaten start to the campaign, with the defence keeping a fourth consecutive clean sheet.

Credit is due to the likes of Bruno and Lewis Dunk for their fantastic performances at the back for Brighton so far this season, but yesterday it was Niki Mäenpää’s chance to prove his worth.

The Finnish shot stopper made his home league debut for the Albion in place of regular ‘keeper David Stockdale, who came off injured in last weekend’s clash with Nottingham Forest. 

Albeit it was an easy night for the Seagulls on the whole, the goalkeeper still had to stop the minimal Rotherham threat at times, and made some good saves when called upon.

Manager Chris Hughton was full of praise for Mäenpää; and he may even be in contention to start the weekend’s fixture away at Reading.

Since he joined the Albion just over 12 months ago, the 31-year old has helped transform Stockdale into one of the most potent goalkeepers of the division.

Cast your mind back to the Sami Hyypia era of 2014-15, and you’d remember a very different Stockdale, who produced some pretty bad clangers between the sticks.

Mäenpää though has helped develop Stockdale’s judgment when to come out, when to collect the ball in mid air, his positioning and most of all his distribution.

His work off the playing pitch hasn’t been brought up enough; and his performances in the League Cup and FA Cup last season weren’t bad at all.

It was only a matter of time before he got his league bow, as no player can remain fully fit all the time, and the 31-year old took his opportunity with both hands.

As much as it would please me to see Stockdale return in goal; I think Mäenpää should play, give him a chance to consolidate his place.

Reading at the Madejski will be a tough place to go and a good test for the Finnish goalkeeper.

Squad rotation is so important in this division; and it also creates good competition for places.

Should Mäenpää play and do well against Reading, then we know for certain we have two very good goalkeepers at our disposal here at the club.

 

BHAFC: Oliver Norwood signing a clever bit of business by Chris Hughton.

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Brighton and Hove Albion’s new signing Oliver Norwood shouldn’t take too long to adapt at the south coast club, as he is a player who fits the mould of manager Chris Hughton’s way of playing perfectly.

The Northern Ireland international signed from Championship rivals Reading on a three-year deal, and could make his debut for the Seagulls against Derby County in this weekend’s Championship opener.

Norwood, 25, is a defensive midfielder who likes to dictate the play and spring the forwards into counter attacks through his vast range of passing.

The former Manchester United youngster is also a fine set piece taker, and his deliveries from corners and free kicks could offer something different for Brighton going into the new season.

Some see this move as a bad omen, and feel that the consequence of this signing will be the departure of Dale Stephens. The box-to-box midfielder has been on Burnley’s  wishlist all summer but there is no reason why Norwood, Stephens and Beram Kayal can’t all play in the same team.

Hughton may decide to switch from his traditional 4-4-2 to a 4-2-3-1 formation. This would allow Norwood and Kayal to play alongside each other, with Stephens in a more advanced position.

In his first interview with the Argus, Norwood insisted that it was Chairman Tony Bloom and his determination to keep all of Albion’s in demand players at the club was key to him signing the contract.

This is positive news to hear, after the most recent speculation linked Anthony Knockaert with a move north to Newcastle United.

Bloom, like the manager and players, is as determined as ever to finally get this club into the Premier League, and keeping the star players during the transfer windows is the first little step towards that.

He may not be an Alex Pritchard, nor an attacking midfielder who will score 10+ goals for us this season, but Norwood didn’t cost eight million pounds to buy, and with just under 200 appearances in this league, he knows the Championship like the back of his hand.

With just under four weeks to go before the transfer window slams shut, fans will be hoping to see more new faces come through the doors in the coming days.

 

 

 

 

BHAFC: Reports say Seagulls close to third summer signing.

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Brighton and Hove Albion are set to sign a promising new right back, according to the Blackpool Gazette. 

20-year old Tyler Hornby-Forbes has reportedly rejected a new contract at current club Fleetwood Town and is close to sealing a move to the Amex.

The right back broke into the first team under Graham Alexander at the League One club, but has struggled for games in recent months, with Northern Ireland international Conor McLaughlin ahead of him in the pecking order at Highbury.

He has so far played 33 games for Fleetwood, scoring two goals.

Brighton have been searching for a replacement right back since the expiration of Inigo Calderons’ contract earlier in the summer. Although it seems an uninspiring move, signing a player from a lower division, it’s not one that surprises me.

Just look at how Connor Goldson rose to first choice centre half by the end of the last campaign. Yes, injuries played a part, but even when Gordon Greer returned to fitness, he couldn’t get past the ex-Shrewsbury man in the starting XI.

I’d even go as far as saying he was ahead of Lewis Dunk in my opinion by the time April came round.

We have already signed another young centre back in Ben Hall from Motherwell during the close season. He could well be another player who in the coming months and years, could rise to become another star at our disposal.

So don’t rule this guy out just yet. He may make initial mistakes, playing at a higher level than he is accustom to, but let’s not forget he will be cover for Bruno. It relieves some of the pressure off Liam Rosenior, who is currently our only alternative wing back behind Gaetan Bong and Bruno.

Obviously no official word has come from Brighton, so let’s wait and see if the dotted line is signed before moving any further into this debate.

BHAFC: Glenn Murray, Is he the answer to our goalscoring problems?

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So the paperwork was signed last night and Glenn Murray is once again an Albion player (for a season at least). The former Albion favourite returns after five years away with arch rivals Crystal Palace and short stints with Reading (on loan) and Bournemouth.

The 32-year old isn’t a spring chicken anymore like he was back in the Withdean years, but he brings along with him some Premier League experience following his time in the big league with the Eagles and Cherries respectively.

Although manager Chris Hughton feels this is a good signing for us going into the new campaign, I look at Glenn and then look at our current top dog, Tomer Hemed, and struggle not to come up with similarities between the two.

Both are strong men who hold the ball up well. They are both deadly in the air and have that striker’s instinct of being in the right place at the right time. But both simply don’t have the pace we need to inject into this side up top.

We are too reliant on our wingers, Jamie Murphy and Kazenga LuaLua in particular, to bomb down the wing into the box and cause defenders problems.

Look at the teams that went up automatically last season. Burnley had Andre Gray, Middlesbrough had Jordan Rhodes (maybe for only half a season but that was more than enough). Both caused havoc for opposition back lines and scored the vital goals to get their teams promoted.

James Wilson was meant to bring our pace to the table last year along with Sam Baldock, but whilst one struggled to find form, the other suffered injury problems all season.

Then there is the question of whether Glenn will score us enough goals? We know he will score some big goals for us, but is he the same striker that powered in 31 goals for Palace during their successful promotion season back in 2012-13?

He is a good signing in the fact that he has been there and done it, and he will be key in the dressing room, telling the younger players not to feel too nervous and enjoy the experience.

But this makes him more of a like for like replacement for Bobby Zamora, who was released this summer, the only exception being he is younger and will be on the pitch far more than BZ was during the previous season (touch wood he doesn’t suffer a nasty injury).

So the question is where does Chris go from here? He now has three first team strikers in Hemed, Baldock and Murray, but he will definitely need to be in the market for a permanent striker. A young, pacey forward that will have the ability to score 20+ would be perfect, but we all know how difficult it is this day and age to afford one of those.

Newcastle are already using their parachute payments they received from the Premier League following last season’s relegation by signing Dwight Gayle for around £13 million pounds. We simply cannot compete with that.

However, forgetting the poor Elvis Manu, Chris and his recruitment team have done extremely well in bringing some excellent players to our football club. The likes of Beram Kayal, Liam Rosenior, Tomer Hemed, Gaetan Bong, Anthony Knockaert and Jiri Skalek have all come in settled well into the first team, so in Chris and the team I trust.