Watch and enjoy Bridge (From The Argus)

I totally agree with Gus, some of you on here who are continually moaning and even suggesting Gus should go need to read the comments and take it onboard ! Three and a half years ago we were a million miles away from where we are now so enjoy the ride and get behind everyone at the club from top to bottom. Brilliant times and the future is bright !!

So its a case of,new striker on loan,get to play-offs,beat palarse again in the final,back to the top flight after 30 years absence,and sign Wayne on a 3 year deal.....sorted!. UTA

Every website where people are aloowed to express an opinion will attracts trolls and WUMs - this one is no different.

We have so many amazing players right now I still have to pinch myself. Then I think back to the (not so very) old days when we were gutted at losing players like Bas Savage and Mark McCammon and I chuckle :-)

Bushell wrote:
I totally agree with Gus, some of you on here who are continually moaning and even suggesting Gus should go need to read the comments and take it onboard ! Three and a half years ago we were a million miles away from where we are now so enjoy the ride and get behind everyone at the club from top to bottom. Brilliant times and the future is bright !!

Totally agree Bushell. These are great times at the Albion and a million miles from where we were less than two seasons ago. Simply luvvin' it!!

UTA

Compare and contrast any game at the Withdean, Gillingham or the last few years at the Goldstone with the whole experience of last Sunday. We are living through a defining period of time in our club's history and we will look back when we are older and say to our grandchildren "I was there" (I use "we" in the generalised sense of the word!).

I agree Wayne Bridge has been superb,so consistent and a joy to watch. Just hope this reminder from Gus isn't a prelude to us losing him.I also like look of Upson another player I would like us to sign permanently.
If we do get up to the premiership I think they will both stay for sure.

Old Scrote of the Amex wrote:
Every website where people are aloowed to express an opinion will attracts trolls and WUMs - this one is no different.

We have so many amazing players right now I still have to pinch myself. Then I think back to the (not so very) old days when we were gutted at losing players like Bas Savage and Mark McCammon and I chuckle :-)

As there are only 2 posts prior to yours,my paranoia has kicked in,IF,your comment was aimed at me,let me assure you that i am perfectly serious about my post,as i see it those are the necessary steps in that order to achieve our joint goal,and i for one believe we can do it,if your comment was not for me,my paranoia is worse than i thought. UTA

It would be nice to think that the bridge situ can be sorted at the end of the season but hey, let's just enjoy the ride now! With the way things are going we need four more full house's at the amex and some good away support cos it makes a massive difference! So enjoy the ride everyone, what an exciting end to the season! UTA!

Websites like this will always attract WUM's and moaners, it comes with the territory, and to be quite honest, is a necessary side effect.

Without a different and controversial slant on opinions, there would be nothing but boring, over-egged adulation of the club, those involved with it, and the way we play week in, week out.

Yes, we should all enjoy the journey being made at the present time, but we should also be mindful that opinions of the situation will be wide ranging, no matter where they originate.

tug509 wrote:

Old Scrote of the Amex wrote:
Every website where people are aloowed to express an opinion will attracts trolls and WUMs - this one is no different.

We have so many amazing players right now I still have to pinch myself. Then I think back to the (not so very) old days when we were gutted at losing players like Bas Savage and Mark McCammon and I chuckle :-)

As there are only 2 posts prior to yours,my paranoia has kicked in,IF,your comment was aimed at me,let me assure you that i am perfectly serious about my post,as i see it those are the necessary steps in that order to achieve our joint goal,and i for one believe we can do it,if your comment was not for me,my paranoia is worse than i thought. UTA

You are indeed paranoid! My post was being written before yours was published, so I didn't see yours until after I clicked on 'Submit' :-) I was commenting on Bushell's assertion about people coming on here and moaning (I usually quote the person I'm replying to, but didn't on this occasion...) UTA indeed!!!

BobbyLaverick wrote:
Websites like this will always attract WUM's and moaners, it comes with the territory, and to be quite honest, is a necessary side effect.

Without a different and controversial slant on opinions, there would be nothing but boring, over-egged adulation of the club, those involved with it, and the way we play week in, week out.

Yes, we should all enjoy the journey being made at the present time, but we should also be mindful that opinions of the situation will be wide ranging, no matter where they originate.

But there is a distinction between those who love the club but can see the it through a more critical eye (MBTS, Vegas etc), and those who are deliberately inflammatory (HoveParkRetard, FL etc).

Sorry Old Scrote,but i have been told my posts are sometimes ambiguous,and can be read either way.

Is it just me who's reading that and thinking we'll lose Bridge at the end of the season?

Seagulls Over Surrey (SOS) wrote:

Bushell wrote:
I totally agree with Gus, some of you on here who are continually moaning and even suggesting Gus should go need to read the comments and take it onboard ! Three and a half years ago we were a million miles away from where we are now so enjoy the ride and get behind everyone at the club from top to bottom. Brilliant times and the future is bright !!

Totally agree Bushell. These are great times at the Albion and a million miles from where we were less than two seasons ago. Simply luvvin' it!!

UTA

And here you all are moaning about something ?

Definately the best since team, times,players since i was a kid aged 10 -17 , now 47 and i am often glad i have livid to see us rise again even to this level.Great for the local Kids ,never on a saturday or sunday morning in the parks around sussex have i seen so many albion kits being worn.
Managed well this support , and the club will flourish for years.
Gus spot on , on this thread leader we must enjoy promotion or not this season.

Gibseagull wrote:
Compare and contrast any game at the Withdean, Gillingham or the last few years at the Goldstone with the whole experience of last Sunday. We are living through a defining period of time in our club's history and we will look back when we are older and say to our grandchildren "I was there" (I use "we" in the generalised sense of the word!).

Really!? I have watched the Albion week-in, week-out at the Goldstone, Gillingham, Withdean and now the Amex. Each ground had its own faults and problems, but to me - I’m not fussed where they play, if they played home games in a ploughed field I would be there – the Amex is far from ideal. The transport to and from the ground is a joke, although standing in the rain waiting for the park and ride without any shelter is not at all funny. Nor are the amount of steps that a fair percentage of older fans and disabled / less abled fans have to contend with every game. Having to choose between a P or a pie at half time because of the queues is poor, and, with already high prices about to rise even further if we reach the Premiership, how long until many of the 5 or 6 thousand fans who kept the club going since leaving the Goldstone are priced out of their ‘field of dreams’?

To think we have bridge upson and caldi in defence, international keeper, and the Spanish lads across the squad, can anyone answer me this question, how many yellow cards have the Spanish contingent recieved this season? The discipline of those players should be a example to one or two.

These are great times to be an Albion fan, and I feel we are really going places. However this team is not as good as the Div 1 team in 79/83 ish. The likes of Lawro, Nobby, Case, Wardy, Robbo, Ritchie, Gregory, McNab and several more still stand out to me. Yes I know they did not all play together, but we had a hell of a side in those days.

Bushell wrote:
I totally agree with Gus, some of you on here who are continually moaning and even suggesting Gus should go need to read the comments and take it onboard ! Three and a half years ago we were a million miles away from where we are now so enjoy the ride and get behind everyone at the club from top to bottom. Brilliant times and the future is bright !!

Well said Bushell, great comments, but as you know the moaners will still continue to moan regardless

I cannot see why Wayne Bridge would not come on a full time contract, he seems to be enjoying his football at the Albion, He has scored goals at the Albion, If he goes back to MC will he be as he is now a permanent starter in all the matches? or will he warm the bench?
Even if we do not get into the play offs you have to agree another season in the Championship would do us no harm and there are some cracking teams to play against would also give our DS players a chance to come on.
I have followed the Albion since my Dad took me to the Goldstone ground many many years ago (60 creeps up on you fast) and have to think very hard to compare the quality players we have today to yesteryear although the one that sticks is Peter Ward.
We have come a long way over the last few years but everything is falling into place and I am enjoying the ride.

What amazes me is that our team survived the ground share, we survived playing at a worn out sports stadium and we survived that vital relegation battle.

The fans of Brighton went through tough times, either travelling miles to watch the team every week during the ground share days, every match was an away day. As today's numbers show, at least 20,000 fans locked out of Withdene, no room for them there.

When the doors at the Goldstone were slammed shut and we the fans were without a home it would not have been surprising if we just faded away, but we didn't, we endured.

The Amex was, is, our reward, a payment for our suffering. Our stadium wasn't built for the team it was built for us. No one person is bigger than the club and no club is bigger than it's fans for we ARE BRIGHTON. Those that go to church know that the building they gather in is not the church, the people that attend are the church, Today we support our team in our cathedral known as the Amex, a place where we will give thanks for all we have and a place where we can remember what once was.

We survived.

mark by the sea wrote:
To think we have bridge upson and caldi in defence, international keeper, and the Spanish lads across the squad, can anyone answer me this question, how many yellow cards have the Spanish contingent recieved this season? The discipline of those players should be a example to one or two.

this is an EXCELLENT point, and one I'd not really thought about.

Here are the stats:

Calderon 2 yellows in 23 games
Lopez 4 in 29
Orlandi 2 in 30
Bruno 3 in 229
Vicente 1 in 9
Ulloa 1 in 11

(Total 13 in 131)

Impressive.

Bruno 3 in 29, obviously...

VegasSeagull wrote:
What amazes me is that our team survived the ground share, we survived playing at a worn out sports stadium and we survived that vital relegation battle. The fans of Brighton went through tough times, either travelling miles to watch the team every week during the ground share days, every match was an away day. As today's numbers show, at least 20,000 fans locked out of Withdene, no room for them there. When the doors at the Goldstone were slammed shut and we the fans were without a home it would not have been surprising if we just faded away, but we didn't, we endured. The Amex was, is, our reward, a payment for our suffering. Our stadium wasn't built for the team it was built for us. No one person is bigger than the club and no club is bigger than it's fans for we ARE BRIGHTON. Those that go to church know that the building they gather in is not the church, the people that attend are the church, Today we support our team in our cathedral known as the Amex, a place where we will give thanks for all we have and a place where we can remember what once was. We survived.

Perhaps now that we are playing in our cathedral we should sign the Pope from the lower reaches of the league as cover for our new messiah Ulloa!

russellsnr2 wrote:
I cannot see why Wayne Bridge would not come on a full time contract, he seems to be enjoying his football at the Albion, He has scored goals at the Albion, If he goes back to MC will he be as he is now a permanent starter in all the matches? or will he warm the bench?
Even if we do not get into the play offs you have to agree another season in the Championship would do us no harm and there are some cracking teams to play against would also give our DS players a chance to come on.
I have followed the Albion since my Dad took me to the Goldstone ground many many years ago (60 creeps up on you fast) and have to think very hard to compare the quality players we have today to yesteryear although the one that sticks is Peter Ward.
We have come a long way over the last few years but everything is falling into place and I am enjoying the ride.

I agree russellsnr2, Bridge is probably enjoying and playing the best football of his career here. He understands that he is part of a unique project where he is respected as an established player and not just a commodity.

VegasSeagull wrote:
What amazes me is that our team survived the ground share, we survived playing at a worn out sports stadium and we survived that vital relegation battle.

The fans of Brighton went through tough times, either travelling miles to watch the team every week during the ground share days, every match was an away day. As today's numbers show, at least 20,000 fans locked out of Withdene, no room for them there.

When the doors at the Goldstone were slammed shut and we the fans were without a home it would not have been surprising if we just faded away, but we didn't, we endured.

The Amex was, is, our reward, a payment for our suffering. Our stadium wasn't built for the team it was built for us. No one person is bigger than the club and no club is bigger than it's fans for we ARE BRIGHTON. Those that go to church know that the building they gather in is not the church, the people that attend are the church, Today we support our team in our cathedral known as the Amex, a place where we will give thanks for all we have and a place where we can remember what once was.

We survived.

"20,000 fans locked out of Withdean, no room for them there" Er, sorry Vegas, no there were not. I didn't miss a game at Withdean and there were empty seats at nearly every game - the attendance figures back this up - apart from the odd big game like Manchester City. Anyone who wanted a ticket could have got one, people just did not want to go.

Wayne was one of several accomplished performances on Sunday and arguably along with Lua Lua and Leo, was up for MOM. I hope his financial performance in his career thus far, can perhaps allow him to concentrate on his footballing aspirations (with us).
Gus has a very difficult job in managing fan expectations. The rapid growth of the customer/fan base, combined with the passion surrounding the 'wilderness years', is an unusual situation. The 20K new arrivals are a mixture of returning fans from days gone by and football fans in general (and from other clubs), who are adopting their local club. This did not happen at Withdean as it was Withdean and a far less attractive 'deal'. Getting tickets WAS sometimes problematic and combined with the quality of the football not 'habit' forming. The floating support was always there. Our outing to Cardiff being the most recent example of a 'mass mobilisation' and the club have been very successful in attracting families to the new ground. How many now would we take to a play off final at Wembley (hypothetical I know)?
Gus has been comparatively well backed financially, beyond any recent Albion manager but this is still below the financial clout that a lot of other teams in this division can 'afford'. The instant gratification of modern living does not mix well with good housekeeping and financial planning. But the live today, pay tomorrow mentality, is thankfully and seemingly rejected by the people who run the club. The fantasy football element, should be just that, fantasy. 'Real fans' accept these limitations but are not always the loudest voices on the terraces but often the last left standing there. Days like Sunday unite, a failure to reach the play offs may be met with ignorant and misplaced dissatisfaction and divide. We over achieved last season and may slightly underachieve this. But the momentum is still maintained. The long term view does not have to be a passionless wasteland. We have not invented this template for success; we just have a unique history that needs a slightly different perspective when assessing our progress.
As for comments about the Amex… Well you can always make improvements. I honestly believe that the club strive to act on any genuine complaints and the transport situation is not always ideal. The logistics of getting people in and particularly out, are however not unique to the club. Get 25K people anywhere and there are bound to be delays etc. Transport links are about as good as you are going to get in this 'city' and any genuine workable suggestions to improve the situation will, I'm sure, be welcomed by the club. I am currently working on a teleport system and have developed an uncontrollable fear of Venus fly traps…
As for comments about WUMS, trolls etc… I do not buy the 'opinions argument' and definitely not the 'we'd just be left with a sycophantic love in' argument. There are enough different opinions on players, tactics and the club in general; without the need to indulge some narcissistic idiot with a personality disorder (or worse). However, if we put in a s**t performance, I accept that we will attract flies (there's those **** Venus plants again).

It would be terrific to think that Wayne would be with us next season but realistically the chances must be slim. With his (alleged) £90k a week contract ending in the summer what's the most we could offer him? Perhaps £40k a week IF we are in the premiership and what - £30k absolute tops if we're in the championship.

Based on what we've seen this season surely someone would offer him 50-60?

Seems to me we're banking on his love of Gus and the Albion - and an already 'set for life' bank account.

Suggest we start by voting him MOM for the remaining home games and see where that gets us!

Gazza by the sea wrote:
It would be terrific to think that Wayne would be with us next season but realistically the chances must be slim. With his (alleged) £90k a week contract ending in the summer what's the most we could offer him? Perhaps £40k a week IF we are in the premiership and what - £30k absolute tops if we're in the championship.

Based on what we've seen this season surely someone would offer him 50-60?

Seems to me we're banking on his love of Gus and the Albion - and an already 'set for life' bank account.

Suggest we start by voting him MOM for the remaining home games and see where that gets us!

Not sure anybody would offer 50/60 . remember opposition level.
Where we are at the end of the season will define much, but so will wayne himself in what he wants for his swansong in football. We can but hope...

VegasSeagull wrote:
What amazes me is that our team survived the ground share, we survived playing at a worn out sports stadium and we survived that vital relegation battle.

The fans of Brighton went through tough times, either travelling miles to watch the team every week during the ground share days, every match was an away day. As today's numbers show, at least 20,000 fans locked out of Withdene, no room for them there.

When the doors at the Goldstone were slammed shut and we the fans were without a home it would not have been surprising if we just faded away, but we didn't, we endured.

The Amex was, is, our reward, a payment for our suffering. Our stadium wasn't built for the team it was built for us. No one person is bigger than the club and no club is bigger than it's fans for we ARE BRIGHTON. Those that go to church know that the building they gather in is not the church, the people that attend are the church, Today we support our team in our cathedral known as the Amex, a place where we will give thanks for all we have and a place where we can remember what once was.

We survived.

Well said Vegas, we still talk about the day we marched down the High Street in Mellor, onto Archers House, in the "Traders Arms", Police Helicoptor above and Police everywhere. It seems like light years away. Brighton Bill Yorkshire Seagull and loyal fan for 52 Years.

Good posts, fairweathersupporter and bobbylaverick.

This is a very different club to the one we supported in the dark days of Priestfield and Withdean. It's now much more like the club I followed in the 1970s when Mullers was at the helm. The squad is full of quality players, entertainers, and each match is anticipated with great excitement.

As fairweather points out, with that comes a much bigger fan-base and greater expectation. For some, probably Gus included, not making the play-offs will be regarded as failure. Others will see a top-10 finish as progress in only our second season back in the Championship.

We do live in an "instant gratification" world these days and I'm just as guilty as the rest in wanting BHFC to be at the top of the table from the start of the season to the finish.

But when I see nearly 30,000 fans turn out on a Sunday lunchtime to watch my beloved Seagulls ploay at a magnificent stadium, I still have to pinch myself. Good times!

Anyone know anything about the rumour going around that we've given Reading permission to speak to Gus about their vacant manager's job? Seems to be a lot of activity on the betting exchanges.

Gus Poyet to talk to Reading?
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By Liam Apicella, Staff Reporter
Filed: Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at 14:49 UK
Last Updated: Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at 15:02 UK
Brighton & Hove Albion have reportedly granted Gus Poyet permission to discuss terms with Premier League side Reading.

The Royals have been in the market for a new manager since they decided to part company with Brian McDermott last week.

A number of people have been linked with the vacancy, including Paolo Di Canio, Phil Parkinson, Luis Enrique and Nigel Adkins.

However, they have turned their attention to former Chelsea midfielder Poyet, who made it clear to the Brighton board that he would like to have the opportunity to meet with Reading owner Anton Zingarevich, according to Sky Sports News.

That has resulted in the majority of bookmakers slashing the odds of Poyet taking over at the Madejski Stadium to 1/10.

Poyet was appointed Brighton boss in 2009 and he has guided the Seagulls from League One to seventh in the Championship standings. Meanwhile, Reading are 19th in the Premier League, seven points from safety.

Thanks for that, SOS.

That really is bad news. Why the eff would he want to go to Reading?

Neville wrote:
I agree Wayne Bridge has been superb,so consistent and a joy to watch. Just hope this reminder from Gus isn't a prelude to us losing him.I also like look of Upson another player I would like us to sign permanently.
If we do get up to the premiership I think they will both stay for sure.

I wholeheartedly agree. I also thought that our fantastic result on Sunday was due, to a great extent, to the fabulous pairing of Gordon Greer and Matthew Upson.

It was clear that the right/left foot balance of the two playing alongside each other really contributed to our steadiness at the back.

In my opinion, Adam El Abd can be a liability all the time he spends so much energy in 'wrestling' opponents in the penalty area - which he seems to think is necessary all the time. I can't imagine he's doing this under instructions so I don't understand the need for it.

I also hope that we continue with this attacking approach (2 wingers) - it had a great deal to do with our performance and reaffirms the old adage that fortune favours the brave and attack is the best form of defence. Palace hardly got a kick once we were ahead. Against King Billy on 30th we'll be against one of the most attacking and gutsy managers in this division. Let's match him every inch of the way. I'm looking forward to a great contest which could truly define our season.

I have just seen it on Sky News and feel very apprehensive. IMO it would be a bad move for Gus as there is a very good chance that Reading will be back in the Championship next season, whereas The ALBION could well be in the PL. Is this Gus playing mind games again with the fans and Tony Bloom? If so it is a very cruel gesture. If Gus does go what will it do for our play-off aspirations. It could go one of two ways. Atotal collapse of morale or a overwhelming determination from the players to show that Gus has made a bum move. I would settle for Adkins as a replacement although I pray that Gus stays with us.

It was a while ago, but I'm sure GP said that it would take 'something very special' to lure him away from Brighton. With all due respect to Reading, they're not that special. Hope this turns out to be nothing. They'll in the Championship next season, we might not be.

bruce beckett wrote:
Anyone know anything about the rumour going around that we've given Reading permission to speak to Gus about their vacant manager's job? Seems to be a lot of activity on the betting exchanges.

When I read this I wondered what you were talking about...
It seems though that the rumour has a little more legs to it than than that of simple hearsay.
It's all over skysports and generally they're pretty good when it comes to a story having credibility.

I really would be disappointed if Gus jumped ship for these boys.. Chelsea, yes but not a team sitting bottom of the Premiership surely.
I'm sure the truth will come out soon enough and all I can hope for is that Gus hasn't burnt too many Bridges if he did force BHAFC in to letting him talk to another club.

Uta

Even the Reading supporters are saying this would not be a good move for GP - they're odds on to get relegated, have a lower home attendance (even though they're in the Premiership) and lack the prospects to satisfy such an ambitious young manager as ours. Still, as Jimmy Greaves used to say, "football's a funny old game!"

Wayne has to be with us next season. Not sure how we cope with the cost but has must be an absolute dead cert if we can get the deal done!

Another thought, what will this do to our chances of securing a loan striker if Gus leaves. Also is it not possible that Gus has had a fall out with TB over the availability of purchasing funds in view of the fact that he is/was on the verge of obtaining a loan striker? The mind boggles. Come on Argus, you're behind the curve on this one.

I remember the days we were in the( now) Premiership,they were good days but short days.We now have a much better set up to get to the Premiership and stay in the Premiership thanks to Gus and Tony Bloom.I did not think i would have to wait over 30yrs to see us back there but a lot has happened mainly being robbed of the Goldstone at which i was a season ticket holder for many years(used to sit near Ray Bloom ,Tonys uncle i believe.Our time has come ,or is coming soon.

SMF20 wrote:

bruce beckett wrote:
Anyone know anything about the rumour going around that we've given Reading permission to speak to Gus about their vacant manager's job? Seems to be a lot of activity on the betting exchanges.

When I read this I wondered what you were talking about...
It seems though that the rumour has a little more legs to it than than that of simple hearsay.
It's all over skysports and generally they're pretty good when it comes to a story having credibility.

I really would be disappointed if Gus jumped ship for these boys.. Chelsea, yes but not a team sitting bottom of the Premiership surely.
I'm sure the truth will come out soon enough and all I can hope for is that Gus hasn't burnt too many Bridges if he did force BHAFC in to letting him talk to another club.

Uta

I agree with what you and others say SMF20, I too would be disappointed if Poyet left. I cannot see what he would gain from the playing side perspective by joining Reading as various posters have rightly stated.
However if he were to leave we would need to appoint his successor quickly. Ideally someone who shares a similar playing philosophy as Poyet and is not only capable of taking us to the next level but keeping us there. Someone like Di Matteo perhaps.
I hope nothing comes of this report but these rumours have been around since McDermott was dismissed and seem to have substance. At least we should get some compensation although I would much rather Poyet stayed than have some more cash in the till.
Worrying times.

If I were not a Brighton fan, if I were just looking at what he has and what might be being offered to him I would advise him to tread very lightly.

What Gus is looking for will be there again if he chooses to decline this latest offer, this is not the end for Gus.
Today it is Reading wanting his talents but they want him because they are in trouble. Tomorrow it might be a club better positioned, a club that wants him for the right reasons, right in terms of his career.

There is zero evidence that Gus can deliver at the prem level, he would admit that I am sure. I would suggest that there are three tiers of prem managers. There are those with a mountain of experience and knowledge of the game at the highest level, and then there are those that manage mid level prem clubs, those learning their trade at that level but usually safe from relegation. The third tier are those running the bottom eight clubs, guys all hoping to hold onto their jobs, is that the best level he could enter at, I think not.

I would like to see Gus prove his worth with Brighton in the prem, maybe not this year but in the very near future, take us there and show you can handle it Gus.
If that were to happen then I think Gus would be a good candidate for a prem club not in the bottom eight places.

As much as I want Brighton to succeed I also don't want Gus to fail. If he goes to Reading and they get relegated he will have to start again, but not with Brighton. Gus has never known failure and neither have Brighton under his leadership, he could very well taste it with Reading, and if he does, would Reading keep him.

It's a gamble for Gus, take his chance with Reading or stay and continue what he has started with Brighton. There is only one direction for Brighton, upward and any future manager of Chelsea will have had to prove his ability at prem level, he can do that with us.








,

Maybe some Managers with Premiership experience have turned down the Job knowing they will be in the Championship next Year and that Gus would like to manage in the Premiership for 2months.I also think it might be somebody from one of the Promotion hopefuls stirring the pot