AFTER more than two decades out of the top flight, Brighton and Hove Albion are in touching distance of the Premier League.

Given the results at the weekend, promotion could be secured as soon as Easter Monday. We are not there yet but surely now, after the heartbreak of the play-offs of the last few years, we are destined to reach the promised land.

Experts are already talking about the potential boost this could provide to the economy.

In today’s paper a professor from the University of Cardiff has estimated the city could share in a slice of Albion’s £200 million windfall.

Entry to the Premier League will give Albion a minimum £100 million in TV money alone. Promoted clubs can also expect seven-figure increases in shirt deals and match day revenue.

Then there is the global exposure. The Premier League is viewed around the world. The UK is very much just the tip of the iceberg.

You go to Australia, Thailand, China or Japan. All they talk about is the Premier League.

If Albion get the job done over the next few weeks we will be part of this global showcase.

We will get the kind of exposure marketing managers can only dream of. Millions upon millions will come to know The Amex, Chris Hughton, Brighton Palace Pier and the city’s affection for seagulls. It is difficult to put a figure on that.

And then of course there is the feelgood factor. During the club’s play-off runs of the last few years there has been a real buzz in the city. People have come together to get behind the team. Just imagine the feeling if we actually made it to the big time.