Sport: Mark Brailsford salutes the soaring seagulls
What a season. Whatever the outcome of events occurring, this has been a memorable one. At the time of writing, the outcome of the semi final is unknown, so here are two versions of events for your delectation. If The Albion have made it through to the final then you will probably be preparing for a day out at Wembley to face either Leicester or Udinese B, sorry, Watford. Cue the scramble for tickets and the casing of appropriate drinking establishments in preparation for, potentially, the greatest day in the club’s history.
If The Albion have been beaten by Our Friends in the North, then everyone can pack away their foam fingers until next year when the team will hopefully have another tilt at promotion. Either way, Wembley or not, this season is worth looking back on with amazement. Let us start with the early promise of the August fixtures. All teams begin with a sense of optimism.
“BHAFC could be one of the most attractive propositions for any up and coming manager”
Then, as the season grinds its way into the harsh winter months (and a long harsh winter it was too) the struggling sides and the promising ones start to show. The Cup run was a definite highlight and any neutral watching the victory over Newcastle would have thought it was the blue and white striped team that were Premier League class and not the other way around. The spectacle of going toe to toe with Arsenal was a sight to behold and only the late appearance of two current England internationals enabled Arsenal to progress in a scintillating match.
The Albion’s League form was at times beguiling and then frustrating in turn. They dropped points at the end of games they should have won. This should have cost Albion dear, that it did not is supposedly the sign of a weak league to some commentators. Arguably this is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of the more balanced competition in the Championship.
That The Albion made the play-offs was a remarkable achievement in the face of tough, battle-hardened teams with parachute payment money or rich benefactors to propel them into the promised land. That Albion did so well was down to some of those fancied teams, the likes of Wolves, Blackburn, Leeds, Leicester and Nottingham Forest all conspiring to cock it right up. But there Albion sit, fourth at the end of the season and whatever the play-off outcome, that is a fantastic effort.
Take a bow Gus Poyet, for it is he who should take the most credit. It would be surprising if Gus is still with the club next season if Albion don’t make it to the top division. Even if he does stay for the first part of the season, the inevitable Premier League vacancies will arise in the autumn and he could be off by then. But will this be a disaster? It has to be said that most fans don’t think so, as it must be one of the most attractive propositions for any up and coming manager. Tony Bloom may well be spoilt for choice. Gus moving on will happen one day and sad as it will be, there will be much to thank him for. Swansea’s example is the one to cite here. Three successive and progressive managers in the same mould, Martinez, Rodgers and now Laudrup have established Swansea in the top flight and they have a trophy in the cabinet too. This is Albion’s trajectory. What else? The 30,000 gate at The Amex in the match against Wolves. This achievement has been slightly overshadowed by the excitement of the play-offs but this is nothing short of a miracle when you think of where The Albion were in 1997. In short, The Seagulls are soaring and it’s a joy and a privilege to witness this golden period in the club’s history. Great players, great season, great manager, great stadium and the icing on the cake? We finished above Palace (again!). Here’s a foam finger in the eye for the Stripey Nigels.
Player of the season
One of the great talking points of the season’s end was the omission of Liam Bridcutt from the Championship team of the season. That this was voted upon by fellow players was another surprise. But let us be thankful for that, maybe it means one or two predators will think twice before trying to lure him from The Amex. The players out of contract will be many and the transfer activity over the summer will be something to keep an eye on throughout the summer. Bridcutt staying will be a huge sign of Albion’s ambition to challenge next season but equally key will be keeping the ‘keeper and that man from Argentina, an Albion legend already. On a more personal note, let’s hope they retain Spanish Dave, he’s getting to the Sully and Gerry Ryan stage of my all time favourite players. Roll on the summer, bring on the new season, but let’s draw breath for a while and savour the best of times.
Que sera sera
In 1983, the fans sat on the steps of Wembley after the replay defeat and sang “We’ll be back”. They were for the play-off final of 1991 which also ended in disappointment. Here we are, 30 years later within touching distance of Wembley glory. Would any other club begrudge Albion their moment in the sun? Should Albion progress, then the 30 years of hurt, the almost dying as a club, the homeless and penniless years will have been worth it. The fight is always worth it, the inspiration to be drawn from the resurrection of this most special club knows no bounds, and who knows, at Wembley we could see our wildest dreams come true. If it’s not to be then que sera sera and if not not now, then soon. Very soon. Match Of The Day, Manchester United at The Amex, Sunday afternoon kick offs (Monday morning hangovers!) it could all happen. One day.
Words: Mark Brailsford
