DALE STEPHENS insists there will be no Premier League hangover for Albion following their title meltdown.

The Seagulls were set to join the elite for the first time as Championship champions after clinching promotion in April with three games to spare.

Their form deserted them at the death as they lost at Norwich, at home to Bristol City and then conceded a last-gasp equaliser at Aston Villa on the final day to hand the title to Newcastle.

Stephens has no concerns about the late downturn lasting. “No, not at all,” said the influential midfielder. “That’s gone now. We achieved what we wanted to achieve last season and hopefully that momentum will still be with us.

“Everyone is excited to see what this season brings.”

Burnley made six bids to buy Stephens last summer and he ended up handing in a transfer request.

There is no uncertainty about his future this time as the 27-year-old Lancastrian and his team-mates began pre-season training yesterday. He signed a new four-year contract in May.

Stephens told The Argus: “I always knew it would be like that. My message was the same last season, I remained focused on what I was doing. I knew I would make a decision at the end of the season.

“So I was steady in my own mind. I didn’t know where I would be but I knew my own situation. That never changed and I’m happy to stay.

“It happens in football. Everyone wants to play in the Premier League. I made that clear but I’m over the moon that it’s turned out the way it has and that I’m playing for Brighton in the Premier League.”

Albion head to Austria on Saturday for a week-long training camp, including their first pre-season friendly against German side Fortuna Dusseldorf on July 14.