Soaring Seagulls are the toast of the city after being promoted for the second successive year.

When Brighton and Hove Albion were homeless and almost lost their status in the Football League, few would have predicted such a rapid revival.

It has been achieved on a limited budget and at a temporary home ground at Withdean with limited seating capacity.

Credit is due to former manager Micky Adams, who took Albion up last year and who left them in a promotion-winning position when departing for Premiership Leicester.

Ironically he will meet Seagulls again next season.

New manager Peter Taylor kept up the momentum and could even end the season by seeing the team crowned champions once again.

The players showed magnificent team spirit and, for all the talk of their being a one-man band, they continued to play well even when striker Bobby Zamora was injured.

Congratulations are also due to chairman Dick Knight, chief executive Martin Perry and the board for steering the club skilfully and sensibly since they took over.

Thousands of fans have demonstrated their enthusiasm and loyalty once again, indicating the huge reservoir of support there is for Albion in the city.

Albion are one step away from meeting Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal in the Premiership.

To achieve that they need a new stadium and getting that built must now be the top priority.