It takes a lot to knock Joel Veltman out of his stride.

But he faltered just briefly this week – before dealing with a slightly awkward situation with his customary combination of a steely grip hidden in a velvet glove.

Albion’s right-back looked somewhat surprised to be told at the club’s awards night that the team had not had the season they wanted.

He shrugged, thought for a moment, then replied: “You can say that a bit – maybe not as well.

“We reached Europe, we had some lovely games at home and away.

“Most of the people I spoke to all travelled to those away games, which is unbelievable.

“Of course, we want to aim higher on the table.

“But I think we had a great year.

“We had loads of games, some injuries, but I think we can be proud, even though this season is not finished. We had a great season.”

The awards night was a superbly staged event, as always.

But there were a couple of references during the evening which might have led the casual observer to believe the team had struggled in the bottom half of the table.

And, yes, they have slipped a few places from last season.

Equally, they have enjoyed magical moments in Europe, putting their name before a previously unknowing audience.

And they have worked their way to a league placing which ranks among the top three or four in their history.

Could the league position have been better? Yes.

Should they have at least taken their FA Cup fifth-round tie to a shoot-out? Probably.

Would they have beaten Roma with a full-strength side? Possibly not, but it would have been fun to see them try.

But it has been another season of progress – if not such obvious progress at times – up against challenges they have never previously faced.

Maybe the time to judge the benefits of this season will be this time next year or even next time they compete in Europe.

For now, they have something in common with today’s opponents Newcastle in having taken on UEFA football and aimed high in the Prem.

Roberto De Zerbi made that point as he spoke at his press conference on Friday afternoon.

The Albion boss said: “Newcastle and Brighton, we have both paid a big price because, maybe I speak for ourselves, but maybe we weren’t ready to compete in three, four competitions and we suffer a lot of injuries.

“With Joelinton, Almiron, Isak, Wilson in good condition, they can fight for the Champions League qualification.

“Their level is higher than they are in this moment.”

De Zerbi was sitting in that very seat at the Lancing training complex when Toon turned their season around.

That was on the afternoon of Saturday, March 30, when they hosted West Ham after a run of one win in six which had seemed to have more or less ended their season.

De Zerbi was speaking at his press conference for Albion’s game at Liverpool the following afternoon.

When we turned our phones off and started asking him questions, Newcastle were 3-1 down.

When he left the room and we switched them on again, they were on their way to a 4-3 win.

They have not looked back since and they have every right to be looking high up the table given their resources, backing and talent - even with the injuries.

De Zerbi said: “It’s in their DNA. They have Gordon, Isak, Almiron and Wilson. Fantastic players.

“Longstaff, Joelinton, Guimaraes are midfielders, but they score goals. They are very good with the ball.

“They play with two full-backs who are attacking and the DNA of Newcastle is to score goals, one more than the opponent.”

For Albion, it is more about finishing with spirit this term and coming back fit and refreshed in the summer, even though it appears one or two of the current injured players might still be absent.

De Zerbi said: “When the new season starts, maybe you have different players, new players.

“You close the last season and start another season.

“For sure, we restart with energy, with motivation.”

And Veltman will be there, of course.

Playing a carefully measured defensive role - as he did on stage on Tuesday.