Who would have assumed in 1963, when Brighton have been relegated to the Fourth Division, that 60 yrs later on they would be travelling to Amsterdam to confront four-time European Cup winners Ajax?
The Seagulls have invested most of their 122-calendar year record yo-yoing in between the 2nd, 3rd and fourth tiers, and did not achieve the Initially Division until 1979.
Even in the 1990s, Brighton arrived near to extinction amid shoddy possession and fiscal strife, shelling out two seasons participating in their ‘home’ online games at Gillingham’s Priestfield Stadium and just about dropping into non-league.
Previous season’s sixth-spot finish in the Premier League was a new large-water mark and Roberto De Zerbi’s gentlemen have already crushed Dutch giants Ajax at the Amex in their debut European period.
Forward of Thursday’s reverse fixture, we delved by means of the Mail Activity picture archive to convey you the best visuals from Brighton’s incredible journey.
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The Brighton staff pose for their 1955-56 team photograph in entrance of a distinguished advert for Tamplin’s Ale. Back again row L-R Billy Lane (manager), Dennis Gordon, Ken Whitfield, Ian McNeill, Eric Gill, Peter Harburn, Tom Bissett, Glen Wilson, Joe Wilson (trainer). Front row L-R: Albert Munday, Des Tennant, Jim Langley, Dennis Foreman, Frank Howard
Brighton gamers acquire flu drugs to assure they are match and perfectly for a 1961 FA Cup tie in opposition to Burnley. Soon after a 3-3 draw on the south coastline, they missing the replay 2-
Peter Taylor speaks with his players on the Goldstone Floor pitch in 1974. Taylor arrived at Brighton as Brian Clough’s assistant in November 1973 and turned supervisor when Clough moved to Leeds United the subsequent yr
Brighton goalkeeper Brian Powney indicators an autograph through his car or truck window in 1973
Brighton goalkeeper Dave Hollins would make a help save to deny Preston’s Tommy Thompson in 1960
Groundsman Frankie Howard prepares the pitch at the Goldstone Ground
The champagne flows as the Brighton players rejoice promotion to Division Two in 1977
The see from the balcony of flats overlooking Brighton’s Goldstone Ground again in 1973
At minimum Brighton will not have to just take on this guy! Ajax legend Johan Cruyff trains at Highbury ahead of his team’s European Cup tie with Arsenal in 1972