Brighton’s meteoric rise to the Europa League is a testament to their incredible journey over the past decade. In 2011, the Seagulls were playing in League One at the Withdean Stadium, a tiny ground with just one permanent stand that had previously been used for athletics, tennis, and even a zoo. Despite being in debt and lacking proper facilities, Brighton managed to secure promotion to the Championship and eventually moved to their new home at the Amex, a modern 30,666-seater stadium fit for the Premier and Europa League.
Brighton’s journey to the top has been filled with ups and downs, including playing 70 miles away in Gillingham and sharing their Priestfield Stadium, as well as being banned from playing amplified music and facing parking restrictions at the Withdean Stadium. However, the club’s owners were determined to succeed and even resorted to creative fundraising methods such as posing for nude Christmas cards and releasing a single that reached No17 in the UK charts.
Despite the challenges, Brighton’s perseverance paid off as they climbed up the ranks of English football and secured their place in Europe next season alongside powerhouses like Liverpool, Ajax, and Juventus. As for the Withdean Stadium, it may no longer be Brighton’s home ground, but it continues to be used for football and other sports by local clubs and gym-goers alike.