Arabic version: برايتون يحتفل بـ125 عاماً من التحول

According to BBC News, Brighton & Hove Albion are marking their 125th anniversary around the visit of Arsenal, reflecting on a journey from stadium loss and supporter campaigns to sustained Premier League football and European competition.

Formed in 1901, Brighton spent almost two decades in the Southern League before entering the Football League. The club first reached the top flight in 1979 and reached the 1983 FA Cup final, where Gordon Smith’s extra-time chance was saved by Manchester United goalkeeper Gary Bailey before United won the replay.

Financial problems led chairman Bill Archer to sell the Goldstone Ground in 1995. Brighton left their home of 95 years in 1997, spent two seasons playing 70 miles away at Gillingham and then returned to the city at the Withdean Stadium in 1999. Former chairman Dick Knight, former Football Association executive director David Davies and Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott are among those credited with helping secure the club’s future and stadium plans.

Chairman Tony Bloom, a lifelong Brighton supporter, took charge in 2009 and oversaw the rise from League One and the move to the American Express Stadium. Last season, the club’s average attendance exceeded 31,000. Sporting director Mike Cave said the club had been on “an unbelievable journey”.

Brighton’s recent progress has included European football. Roberto de Zerbi reminded his players before a Europa League match at Ajax in November 2023 that more than 7,000 supporters had travelled to Amsterdam; Brighton won 2-0. Bloom said the club’s survival was driven by supporters’ determination, adding: “This anniversary belongs as much to those supporters as anyone.”