Albion fans naturally have high expectations now that Micky Adams is back in charge.

A push for the play-offs will be the minimum requirement for most supporters after finishing seventh in League One last season under former boss Dean Wilkins.

They should not be too disappointed, though, if history repeats itself and, as in Adams' first spell in charge, promotion does not come straight away. It could just be a blessing in disguise.

Of course, the Seagulls want to be in the Championship again but it would be far better if they were there at Falmer than at Withdean.

In three seasons of Championship football at Withdean, Albion have been relegated twice and survived narrowly once.

Another fight for survival would inevitably follow if they make it back to the second tier this season.

The financial disadvantages of playing in a converted athletics stadium make it practically impossible to compete with much better-equipped clubs, the majority of whom have been in the Premier League.

Albion are due to move into their new stadium in 2010-2011.

The perfect scenario would be another strong challenge this season, followed by promotion in 2009-2010, ready for Championship football at Falmer. Adams delivered this timetable, all be it at a lower level, in his first stint with the Seagulls.

The good news for those fans with high expectations is that I suspect success might just come quicker this time.

The three additions to the squad so far are encouraging. Adam Virgo, Kevin McLeod and Colin Hawkins all have Championship experience and they fill an age gap between players in their early twenties and early to mid thirties.

The return of the versatile Virgo on a free transfer from Celtic is a great bit of business, considering he was sold to the Scottish giants for £1.5 million three years ago.

All successful teams are based on a sound defence and Albion look particularly strong in that department now, with Virgo and Hawkins joining the likes of Tommy Elphick, Joel Lynch, Andrew Whing and Adam El-Abd.

The Seagulls have been crying out for natural width. If McLeod delivers from the left then Nicky Forster and Glenn Murray, both prolific last season despite moderate service, could have a field day.

If Adams can add more creative quality to the midfield then those expectant supporters might just be celebrating a sooner-than-ideal return to the Championship next May.

Could Albion go up next season? Let us know below.