With three games to go, Brighton and Hove Albion are still on the hunt for a play-off place.

This coincided with a friend of mine sending me a cutting from The Argus about a former playing colleague of mine, Howard Wilkinson, who went on to manage England.

The photo printed with the story was of the 1969/70 Brighton and Hove Albion squad, which I was honoured to be a part of.

I remember my fellow pros very well, a team of experienced professionals, some of whom played for their country.

I was pictured next to Joe Wilson, the scout who brought me to Brighton. I was good friends with his brother Glen, another former Brighton player.

In my apprentice days I lodged with Paul Flood, who I believe still lives in Brighton.

After leaving Brighton, I went on to play for a number of non-league clubs, including Dover Athletic and Gloucester City, where I am now based as a youth coach.

I took my preliminary FA coaching tests with Howard and a number of the lads while at Brighton, under the guidance of Dario Gradi.

Although 62 years old now, I still play five-a-side football but nothing will ever beat those memorable days I had in Brighton for three seasons.

Playing at the Goldstone ground was fantastic, in part due to the atmosphere created by the fans.

The club went through a difficult patch after I left but it is good to see it flying high again. I was privileged to attend the opening game at the club’s new American Express Community Stadium against Tottenham Hotspur with my sons.

In all, I have great memories of Brighton so let’s hope the team reaches the Premier League.

To end, I would love to bring our under-18s youth team to play a local team in Brighton at the end of this season with a view to stopping over in a hotel. If any local teams are interested, please get in touch. The same goes for old friends or playing colleagues – do get in touch.

Email me at kenblackburn8 @yahoo.com or call 07876 047536.

Ken Blackburn, director of youth football at Gloucester City FC