Chairman Tony Bloom has vowed that Albion will keep on investing "cleverly and shrewdly" to establish themselves in the Premier League.

The Seagulls have announced a post-tax profit of over £11 million for 2017-18, their first year back in the top flight, after losing nearly £40 million the year before.

Bloom said in a statement in the annual accounts: "We worked incredibly hard to reach the Premier League, and those considerable efforts have paid off for the club. It has helped put us on a firmer financial footing, has boosted our national and international profile, and positions us well for a bright future.

"Our first ever Premier League season was a successful one on the pitch for our club. These figures also show it was a success off the pitch, especially in terms of the club’s finances, as we made a profit for the first time in our recent history.

"The infrastructure, processes, people and principles we have had in place at the club for some time served us well during our first season in the Premier League, and I’m confident these foundations will continue to serve us well at this level.

"Chris Hughton's astute and skilful leadership, allied with his calmness under pressure has been vitally important. He has again been well supported by his coaching and backroom staff, and by all the many different departments across our club, which remain important components of our recent success."

Albion finished 15th last season with 40 points. They are currently four points better off than at the same stage a year ago in 13th.

The Argus: Bloom (pictured above at Burnley on Saturday) said: "Our aim is to establish ourselves as regulars in the Premier League. With this in mind it’s important we continue to invest cleverly and shrewdly, not just in terms of player recruitment, but in all areas of the club, and with the club's long-term future at heart.

"The team has made another solid start at this level in 2018/19, and we are hopeful of a successful second season in the Premier League."

Albion will publish in the New Year an economic impact study, showing the effect the club has on the local community.