🎧 World Cup thoughts and farewellspublished at 18:31 BST 2 June
18:31 BST 2 June
In the latest episode of BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast, Johnny Cantor assesses the potential impact caused by the departures of Solly March, Adam Webster and James Milner.
Also, former Brighton midfielder Gary Dicker joins from the United States to talk about the players heading to the World Cup, and Seagulls defender Maxim de Cuyper shares his hopes for Belgium.
Unbreakable - watch new Milner documentarypublished at 15:48 BST 2 June
15:48 BST 2 June
In a new BBC Sport documentary, James Milner reflects on a career that has ended at 40, after making a record 658 Premier League appearances with six different clubs.
Team-mates and coaches reveal the drive behind 24 years at the top.
'Always a 7 out of 10 player' - your lasting Milner viewspublished at 16:38 BST 1 June
16:38 BST 1 June
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your thoughts on James Milner's time at Amex Stadium, after the 40-year-old announced his retirement from playing on Monday.
Here are some of your replies:
David: What can I say other than he is a consummate professional. He brought massive experience, superb fitness and great input to our team's cohesion. I was hoping he would stay on for another season to help with the next European adventure. I sincerely hope he will still be around in some capacity at the club. Thank you for everything.
Nigel: A huge thank you for sharing your vast experience with the players of Brighton, James Milner. You were always exciting when you came on the pitch. Have a long and happy retirement.
Graham: He was always a 7 out of 10 player, every time he played at least. He gave his all, he was very committed in tackles and he played hard but fair. He gained respect based on how he conducted himself, on and off the pitch, and he had a great footballing brain which enabled him to be successful throughout his career. He added to Brighton's solid midfield and made a good contribution to Brighton's success during the past three years.
Joe: Look, his longevity has to be admired, and of course he is revered by Liverpool and Leeds fans where his contributions were huge, but let's not kid ourselves on what this past season was: a vanity project to get him to the Premier League appearance record, mainly via two-minute 'appearances'. Once that was done, it was obvious he would retire. He had a few semi-decent games for us, but he was often poor too.
Liam: As fans, we have to take the word of insiders to know what impact a player has beyond the pitch. I'm not sure insiders have spoken more highly of any other player in many years at Brighton. The modern Premier League is so physically demanding that it was extraordinary to see James Milner compete as he did in his final season. Focus, drive, standards, expectations and energy were evident in spades. His restoration to the team resulted in a return to winning ways - it clearly wasn't a coincidence. Thanks, James.
A fine sub and an assist king - Milner's numberspublished at 12:54 BST 1 June
12:54 BST 1 June
James Milner has called time on a remarkable a 24-year Premier League career, in which he has clocked up numerous impressive and record-breaking statistics.
He made 964 senior appearances for both club and country, with his 658 Premier League appearances the most of any player in competition history.
He is both the youngest and second-oldest Premier League goalscorer, and is 10th in the competition's assist charts, providing 90 across his 658 appearances.
Those 90 assists were for 47 different players in the Premier League, with Liverpool's Roberto Firmino benefitting from more Milner assists than anyone else (10).
Among the records Milner holds during the Premier League era, there is the the most substitute appearances by a player (218), while only eight players have more than his 13 goals as a substitute in the competition.
His 658 Premier League appearances came across six different clubs and in February he became only the fourth outfielder in the competition's history to start a match in his 40s.
'It has been an incredible privilege' - send us your thoughts on Milnerpublished at 12:06 BST 1 June
12:06 BST 1 June
Image source, Getty Images
Brighton midfielder James Milner has announced his retirement from playing, bringing the end to a glittering 24-year Premier League career.
The 40-year-old, who joined the Seagulls after his Liverpool contract expired in July 2023, played for six different teams in England's top flight.
After making his Premier League debut for Leeds United as a 16-year-old in 2002, he went on to break the record for the most Premier League appearances.
Milner, who could play on the wing, in midfield and at full-back, won three Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Super Cup, two FA Cups, two Carabao Cups, two Community Shields and the Club World Cup throughout his career.
"From making my debut for Leeds United, who I supported growing up, at the age of 16 and becoming the Premier League's youngest scorer, I could never have dreamed of the journey I have been on, right through to not being able to lift my foot last year and then coming back to be part of Brighton qualifying for Europe for the second time in their history at the age of 40.
"Every club has played a huge role in my life and career, and I want to thank everyone involved - the owners, staff, coaches, teammates and supporters who welcomed me and helped me along the way.
"I have been fortunate enough to experience some unforgettable moments, from fighting for survival to winning trophies, playing in Europe, and representing my country England at two European Championships and two World Cups.
"But more than anything, it is the people and friendships I have made throughout the game that I'll cherish forever.
"To the fans, thank you. To those who supported me every step of the way, your encouragement meant more than you'll ever know. And to those who gave me grief along the way, thank you too - you all played your part in making the journey memorable and helping shape me as a player and person.
"To my family, thank you for every sacrifice, every mile travelled and every moment of encouragement. None of this would have been possible without you.
"I leave the game with immense pride, gratitude and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Football has given me far more than I could ever have imagined, and I will always be thankful for the opportunities it provided.
"Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey."
As Milner calls time on his playing career, we want your input. What did you think of his time in a Brighton shirt?
Gossip: Brighton face competition for Wimmerpublished at 07:55 BST 1 June
07:55 BST 1 June
Brighton will face competition from Hoffenheimand Eintracht Frankfurt for the signature of Wolfsburg's 25-year-old Austrian winger Patrick Wimmer. (Florian Plettenberg), external
'I will never forget what you did for us' - Hurzeler tribute to departing Websterpublished at 07:45 BST 30 May
07:45 BST 30 May
Image source, Getty Images
Defender Adam Webster will leave Brighton when his contract expires next month after seven years and 158 appearances.
The 31-year-old defender joined the Seagulls in 2019 from Bristol City and was part of the side that earned the club its highest league finish when they came sixth in 2023 and qualified for the Europa League.
Webster suffered a knee injury during pre-season in summer 2025 and did not feature in his final campaign.
"I will never forget what you did for us, especially last season in a tough period," said Albion boss Fabian Hurzeler.
"You stepped up as a great leader. You stepped up as a great person. You really showed our principles on the pitch and beside the pitch.
"You have a great positivity in your character, and that always makes a team run, makes a team work hard and makes a team successful."
Brighton say Webster will continue his rehabilitation with the club's medical staff over the summer.
"You will come back stronger. Rehab feels lonely sometimes, but I want you to know that you should never feel lonely," added Hurzeler.
"You have so many people here in Brighton - in the team, players and staff - who will be there for you, who will support you even when you're not here any more.
"I always said to you that good things will come to good people, and you are a great person, so great things will come to you. All the best for your future. Stay strong, and we will see each other on the pitch."
'Bowen the one' - Fans on who Brighton should sign from relegated sidespublished at 17:12 BST 29 May
17:12 BST 29 May
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on which players Brighton should sign from the three relegated Premier League sides Wolves,Burnley and West Ham United.
Here are some of your suggestions:
Seb: I think we should be looking at the Wolves player Mateus Mane and West Ham's Konstantinos Mavropanos.
Colin: Jarrod Bowen would be brilliant.
Tony: Crysencio Summerville [West Ham], who we tried to sign before. Mateus Fernandes [West Ham], Valentin Castellanos [West Ham], or Jaidon Anthony [Burnley]. Marcus Edwards [Burnley] is a tidy footballer too.
Xavier: We need a right-back desperately after the departure of Joel Veltman, so Aaron Wan-Bissaka from West Ham would be a great replacement as he is reliable and also affordable.
Joe: Bowen [West Ham] is the obvious, but also Summerville - as for me Diego Gomez and Yankuba Minteh are both busted flushes and need to move on. Also Wan-Bissaka as Mats Wieffer is not a right-back!
Nigel: Brighton don't need to buy from relegated clubs, but they should buy Harvey Elliott after his wasted year at Aston Villa. England U21 star who Villa did not really want.
Julian: Bowen. Had a good season and would arguably help to fill the void of missed opportunities
Brighton quickfire end of season reviewpublished at 12:49 BST 29 May
12:49 BST 29 May
Image source, Getty Images
The most significant moment of the season - good or bad - was...
Brentford away. After a run of one win in 13 games, head coach Fabian Hurzeler took a more pragmatic tactical approach, utilised more experienced players and switched Jack Hinshelwood to No 10. A run of five wins in six followed.
The season has been a success or failure because...
The club secured a second successive eighth-place finish in the Premier League and a place in Europe for only the second time in their 125-year history. The promise of a first major trophy was only halted by top-quality Premier League sides Arsenal (League Cup) and Liverpool (FA Cup).
The unsung hero of the season is....
Ferdi Kadioglu. Consistency personified, went about his business with no fanfare or strops. The Turkish international showed why the club paid a big fee for him and he was crucial for his country securing a place at the World Cup via the play-offs.
If there's a player or staff member with more to do in future it is.... because...
Jason Ayto. The new Sporting Director will oversee his first summer window. The club has shown its expertise in this area for countless seasons but he, along with technical director Mickey Cave, will need to refresh the squad to compete on four fronts.
The major club issue or talking point lurking is...
The more experienced players in the squad are getting older. The question is how to utilise them as well as allow younger players to mature without letting it affect results. Roberto de Zerbi told me his biggest long-term challenge was how to replace Pascal Gross (35 in June) and Lewis Dunk (35 in November) in the future. The answer is yet to be found. Back-up for Danny Welbeck (36 in November) is also certainly under the spotlight.
The reason for hope going forward is...
The club has an incredible owner with huge expertise, a chief executive and deputy chairman who is one of the best in his role in world sport, a young hungry head coach with lofty ambitions and a squad rooted in hard work and harmony.
Steele or Rushworth? 'Potentially a big headache' if Verbruggen leavespublished at 07:13 BST 29 May
07:13 BST 29 May
Image source, Getty Images
The number-one goalkeeper spot at Brighton will be "potentially a big headache" for Fabian Hurzeler next season, says former Seagulls defender Guy Butters.
Current first choice Bart Verbruggen, who played every minute of the Premier League campaign, has been linked with a move away - including to Spurs in Wednesday's BBC Sport gossip column.
Of their other goalkeeping options, Carl Rushworth has impressed on loan at Coventry City this season as Frank Lampard's side won the Championship, while Jason Steele will travel to the USA with Thomas Tuchel's England squad to help with training.
"We're blessed in the goalkeeping position," said ex-Brighton midfielder Warren Aspinall.
"If Verbruggen wants to leave and the right price is there, then the chairman should say, 'thank you for coming, wish you all the best' and sell him.
"Steeley has done nothing wrong when he's played and Rushworth has done ever so well for Coventry. So, it will be a fight between those two for the number-one spot if Verbruggen wants to move on."
"It will be interesting to see who's happy to sit on the bench," added Butters.
"If Verbruggen does go, I think Steeley will be thinking he deserves that number-one spot. Is the other lad willing to come to another Premier League club and sit on the bench? I think Coventry would be keen to snap him up.
"There is potentially a big headache for the manager in the goalkeeper position."
Brighton must target Conference League - Aspinallpublished at 19:14 BST 28 May
19:14 BST 28 May
Image source, Getty Images
Former Brighton midfielder Warren Aspinall says the Seagulls "have to go all out" to win the Conference League next season and secure the club's first major trophy.
A final day home defeat by Manchester United ended the possibility of Champions League or Europa League qualification, but Fabian Hurzeler's side will still play European football for only the second time in the club's history.
In the aftermath of Crystal Palace's win in the competition on Wednesday, Albion Unlimited's Johnny Cantor shared on X: "It's a long haul to win the Europa Conference League. Palace played 60 games this season - 17 in the Conference League, 38 Premier League, three League Cup, One FA Cup, one Community Shield. But as the third English team to win it, it shows it can be done with a decent Premier League squad. Over to Brighton & Hove Albion in 26-27."
Speaking on the latest Albion Unlimited, Aspinall explained: "They will be disappointed with the Leeds result more than the Manchester United result because that's where you get your points to get into Europe.
"If we'd have beaten Leeds we would have already been in the Europa League.
"But, the aim for a top-10 finish and aim for Europe and that has been achieved.
"Hurzeler will be OK about it. He knew he'd had that blip, he can't win a game in December, so he will have to address that slump.
"We have to go all out to win the Conference League. When you get to the latter stages there's some big teams but we have to get a cup under our belts. We have not got one at all. If this is the first cup we win, so be it. We have to go all out to get it.
"We could rotate and play youngsters but then if we lose a game the fans will say, 'we didn't put our first team out so you get what you deserve'. I think you have to go gung-ho and go for it no matter what."
'A local boy, loved and adored' - fans on Marchpublished at 09:47 BST 28 May
09:47 BST 28 May
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on Solly March leaving Brighton after 14 years of service, following the expiration of his current contract.
"It has been everything I could have hoped for and more," said the 31-year-old in an open letter - and he clearly became a fan favourite at Amex Stadium.
Here are some of your replies:
Michael: Solly has without doubt been one of the most talented, dedicated and top professionals Brighton has had over the past 14 years. Having watched him develop, I always knew he would compete at the highest level. With better luck, I'm sure he would have graced an England shirt. Thank you for everything, Solly. It was a joy and pleasure to watch you throughout the years - Sussex born and bred! The very best for your future - you will be missed.
Paul: One of the few players who really got you out of your seat. Solly, it has been an absolute pleasure to have seen you play for my team. Three hundred games is one heck of a feat and you should be very proud of yourself. I will always applaud you if you return to Amex Stadium, as will thousands of other Albion fans. Wishing you the very best of luck, wherever you find yourself. Any team will be very proud and lucky to have you.
Keith: Solly, you have made a fantastic contribution to Brighton & Hove Albion. Lots of us Sussex lads would've loved to have walked in your shoes. You always gave your best. Very well done - and good luck for the future.
Dommo: Solly, I live in Eastbourne and you have a loyal following within this area. An ex-colleague of mine knows your dad. You are a local boy who has been loved and adored by the fans. You will be missed. I wish you well in your next journey.
Adrian: Solly, you will always be one of the Albion's all-time greats! Your commitment to the club has been outstanding. To watch you progress from the days down at The Dripping Pan with Lewes through to our ventures into Europe has been a joy. You truly reflect what Brighton & Hove Albion is as a club. Thank you for being part of my family's enjoyment over the years. I wish you success in whatever the next chapter brings for you.
March leaves Brighton after 14 yearspublished at 15:49 BST 27 May
15:49 BST 27 May
Image source, Getty Images
From arriving as a 17-year-old midfield prospect, to leaving as a 'local legend' who has represented Brighton & Hove Albion 300 times in all competitions, Solly March's 14-year journey at the Seagulls has come to an end.
The south coast side announced March's contract will not be extended after representing Brighton for the final time in the 3-0 loss to Manchester United on the final day of the Premier League season.
March was formerly on Chelsea's books during his youth, but it was at non-league Lewes where he caught the attention of then League One side Brighton.
In an open letter to Brighton fans, external, the 31-year-old said: "From arriving from Lewes as a young lad with big dreams to walking out at the Amex in the Premier League and in Europe, it's been everything I could have hoped for and more.
"I grew up at this club and learned what it means to represent Brighton & Hove Albion. I'll always be grateful for the opportunity. As the club grew, I was lucky enough to grow with it.
"That promotion season will always stay with me and to take this club into the Premier League meant everything.
"What followed went beyond anything I imagined. Establishing ourselves in the Premier League and then, under Roberto de Zerbi, reaching Europe. Those nights were incredibly special, and I'm proud to have been part of them.
"It's been an honour to wear this shirt and to be part of this club's history. I'll always be watching, always supporting and always grateful. From the bottom of my heart, thank you."
'He deserves huge credit for keeping belief intact... 8/10' - season report cardpublished at 14:58 BST 27 May
14:58 BST 27 May
Joe Sayers Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Season score out of 10 and overriding emotion?
A solid 8/10, and the overriding emotion is pride. A lot of praise needs to be heaped on to Fabian Hurzeler. Earlier this year, he was under immense pressure from sections of the fanbase, with questions being asked about performances and direction. But to turn things around and deliver another eighth-place finish alongside European qualification is incredible. The Albion continue to punch above their weight and Hurzeler deserves huge credit for keeping belief intact and guiding the club to a second European campaign.
Best moment and why?
Hurzeler beating his chest in front of the North Stand after we beat Liverpool at the Amex. It was one of those moments that goes beyond the result itself. The emotion, the connection with the fans and the sense of release all came together at once. Truly, it felt at that moment like things had changed and the belief around the club had returned.
Player of season and why?
Ferdi Kadioglu. He brought a constant energy all over the pitch that never wavered throughout the campaign. Whether driving forward or putting in the hard yards defensively, his commitment and intensity stood out every week. He deserved more goals this season too, which only adds to the excitement around what he could produce next time. There is a big season coming from him.
Unsung hero and why?
James Milner. The players constantly talk about how much of an influence he is on and off the pitch, and that says everything. His professionalism, leadership and standards helped create the environment needed for us to achieve our European qualification.
Biggest disappointment?
There were points and moments when, had we kept our nerve a little more, we could be talking about Champions League nights. But to be achieving Europe for a second time, you cannot be too disappointed with that.
What needs to change this summer?
Nothing needs to change, because the well-oiled machine of Brighton & Hove Albion is ticking over exactly as we would hope it to. The club is building slowly but surely towards more success.
Major hope for next season?
Simple - we have to go and win the Conference League!
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Gossip: Brighton could lose three key playerspublished at 08:14 BST 27 May
08:14 BST 27 May
Tottenham manager Roberto de Zerbi is targeting three players from his former club Brighton - Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba, 22, Dutch defender Jan Paul van Hecke, 25, and Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, 23. (Independent), external
