Steve Sidwell has never seen anything quite like Albion’s promotion party.

That is saying something for one of the club’s most experienced players.

It certainly put Reading’s celebrations a few years ago in the shade.

Now the Seagulls midfielder has warned his team-mates they could be in for another eye-opener when they hit the Premier League.

The Seagulls returned to work today as they prepare to secure the title by beating Bristol City. Pulling that off could result in more memorable scenes at the Amex and around the city.

But Sidwell has told The Argus what happened when promotion was secured would take some beating.

He said: “That celebration was one of a kind and they are great memories that will live for these players here for a long, long time.

“When we did it with Reading ten or 11 years ago, that looked like a kids’ party at McDonald’s compared to last Monday!

“But that has been and gone. We need to get the job done properly and celebrate again.”

The Argus:

Some players were more prominent than others in the promotion celebrations. Glenn Murray, for example, did not appear in any of the clips and photos posted on social media in the days after the party.

Sidwell said: “People had families there. Some individuals, like Glenn, might have a hospitality box for their families so they go and celebrate with them.

“The majority of the pictures and videos people have seen were from the players’ lounge but people were celebrating all over the stadium.

“We all regrouped at one stage, everyone from top to bottom, from the chairman and the manager, and we all celebrated together.”

Thoughts will now turn to how Albion can handle Premier League football.

It could be a daunting prospect – or an exciting one for players such as Anthony Knockaert and David Stockdale, who have had Premier League experiencein the past.

Others like Lewis Dunk, Dale Stephens and Solly March are getting a first crack while players such as Bruno, Tomer Hemed and Beram Kayal have played plenty of top-flight football but not in England.

Sidwell, who spent a decade among the elite, said: “They watch the Premier League week in, week out and can only dream of playing against these players. Now they are there.

“For me it is the best league in the world and we deserve the chance to be there. But, if they think this season has been hard, then next season will be a real eye-opener.

“People like Anthony, and he is not the only one, will want to show people he can do it in the Premier League, which is the greatest stage in the world.

“The profile goes up 100 times and he will look to do that along with all the others who believe in their ability to do it.”

The Argus:

So now for the title. It is a prize which really matters to Albion.

It could land in their well-attired laps during the awards dinner at the Amex tonight when Sidwell will, in all likelihood, receive the prize for goal of the season.

It would need a shock Newcastle defeat at home to depleted Preston for that to happen. A more likely scenario is that Newcastle will secure promotion and the title race will continue.

Sidwell said: “We worry about ourselves. We won’t worry about the Newcastle scoreline. We will go about business the right way. Whatever Newcastle do we will go into the Bristol City game with the right attitude.

“We go back to work today and we go full steam ahead.

“If you ask anyone they would want it wrapped up quickly.

“But I think, if you asked players, they would want it settled at the end of a game they have played in.

“A game when you have shed sweat and blood and tears maybe.

“That would be the nicest way but it will happen the way it does – hopefully.”

Steve Sidwell would have no argument with Tony Bloom and Chris Hughton being awarded the freedom of Brighton and Hove.

He said with a laugh: “Does that mean they can walk their sheep through town?

“We know the story about the football club and where it was.

“We are very fortunate with the owner and he is a fan of the club.

“It is in good hands from the very top and, if you look at the manager, he deserves all the credit he gets.”