Brighton fan publishes poetic review of Albion's historic season

Wins, Grins And Limbs details the club's ups and downs when they finished sixth and qualified for the Europa League in May.

The book is a “time capsule” which details the lows such as Graham Potter’s shock exit for Chelsea and the many highs, from the Seagulls’ highest ever finish under new head coach Roberto De Zerbi.

Jonathan Bradshaw, known by most as The Brighton Bard, spent three and a half months painstakingly going through the season and writing moment-by-moment poetry for every match.

Five pound from every sale will go to the Brighton and Hove Albion Foundation (Image: Andrew Gardner/The Argus)

Jonathan lived in Hove for more than 30 years but moved to Oklahoma in the US after he and his American partner Melissa got married in 2019. He has remained a devoted Albion Fan.

“I wasn’t on social media until I moved to the USA and posting the poems originally started as a fun way to keep in touch with other Albion fans before, during and after matches”, the 51-year-old said.

“Having lived in Poets Corner, the social media name ‘The Brighton Bard’ seemed an appropriate one and it has been an enjoyable and unexpected journey that has helped me stay connected with the club, the city and the county.

“I sat in front of the computer and watched all the highlights, they were about 20 minutes a match. There was a lot of pausing, thinking and writing.

“I don’t ask for retweets or likes, I share what I hope are fun, light-hearted poems.

“The club have been very receptive, they have been very generous with their time and I thank club photographer Paul Hazlewood for allowing me to use the pictures.

The book is being sold in the club shop and online (Image: Andrew Gardner/The Argus)

“It was somewhere between 350 and 400 hours of work. It was around February last season where I thought of this idea. Two thirds of the season had gone by so I had lots of catching up to do.

“It’s a time capsule, a poetic journey through last season. The images make it, they are so important, they complete the book.

“Poetry is a hobby for me. My business has taken a hit because of this. It took three and a half months of my life which I don’t regret at all.”

Jonathan was supported by Albion's lead club photographer Paul Hazlewood who gave him permission to use pictures from last season.

The 197-page book is being sold online and in the club shop for £30. Five pounds from every sale will go to the club’s official charity, the Brighton and Hove Albion Foundation. 

In August, the club invited Joanthan to read out some of his poetry at half time during the 3-1 defeat to West Ham. 

The Brighton Bard at half time speaking with stadium announcer Richard Reynolds (Image: Paul Hazlewood)

Away from his poetry hobby, Jonathan’s day job involves flying around the world as a professional speaker on psychology and behavioural science.

In his younger years during the 90s, Jonathan played football at a semi-professional level for Lewes, Horsham and many more teams around Sussex.

Living across the pond does create some challenges for fans who want to watch Albion.

Oklahoma is six hours behind the UK, so getting up for a 12.30pm game would mean being up at the crack of dawn at 6.30am.

👀 FANCY A LOOK IN THE BOOK?

(Here’s more about the design of the book. ‘Wins, Grins & Limbs’ goes on sale on Wednesday via the club’s shops and online store and is raising money for the brilliant @BHAFCFoundation 💙) pic.twitter.com/OW2fDHV3fg

— TheBrightonBard (@TheBrightonBard) October 23, 2023

Jonathan, currently on a visit to Brighton, said: "A 3pm kick off is 9am for me, I can wake up with a toast and coffee. You really can’t complain.

“It really isn’t that difficult to follow the Albion for me. The social media side of it is great to stay connected, I don’t know how I could have moved over there as easily without social media.

“It’s worth mentioning Stateside Seagulls which is now an official supporters' club. They have been fantastic. There must be a huge growth of Albion fans in the US.

“I do miss seeing the games live, that’s why I’m spending far too many air miles coming over here.”

The book in the club shop (Image: Supplied)

Luckily for Jonathan he will able to enjoy the Fulham game this afternoon before jetting off back home next week. He also managed to see Brighton's historic first Europa League victory on Thursday against Ajax.

Jonathan also fitted in a visit to The Argus office in Bond Street where he read out a special poem called "The Argus".

The Argus - by The Brighton Bard

In the 80s I lived in Horsham

And when I was barely eight or nine

I recall a man standing in the Carfax

Come wind or rain or shine.

He’d fill his lungs with air

And at the top of his voice he’d yell

“Evening Argus” is what he’d shout

The local paper is what he’d sell.

These days it’s just called "The Argus"

As a while back it changed its name

But it’s still a fantastic purchase 

As the great content stayed the same.

On news from across the county

A talented team of journalists report

But as an Albion fan, my personal favourite

Has to be Brian Owen who does the sport.

And what a time to cover the Albion,

As we pursue our European dream

What a fantastic manager

What a fantastic team

You’ll read all about it in the Argus

Buy a copy if you can

And read Brian’s coverage of the Europa League,

From Marseille, Athens and Amsterdam.

Wins, Grins And Limbs can be bought online and in the club store at the Amex Stadium or the shop in Churchill Square.