Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club is marking its 125th anniversary, prompting a wave of nostalgia and reflection from its dedicated fanbase. Supporters are recounting the dramatic highs and challenging lows that have characterised their journey with the club, painting a picture of a truly 'rollercoaster' experience.
Among those sharing their memories is Graham Maskell, a 69-year-old fan from Lancing who has followed the Seagulls since he was nine. He fondly recalls the 1964/65 season, when the team secured the Fourth Division title, scoring an impressive 102 goals. Maskell also had the unique experience of driving the open-top buses for victory parades in 2000/01 and the following season, celebrating Third and Second Division triumphs respectively. His first date with his future wife was at an Albion match in 1976, though she reportedly never returned due to the language.
The club's journey has not been without its considerable challenges. Norman Cook, better known as DJ Fatboy Slim, who began supporting the club in 1980, described the 1990s as a period of "wilderness, horror, homelessness and pennilessness." During this critical time, Cook's record label, Skint Records, stepped in to sponsor the team, a move he believes helped them at their "lowest ebb." He also remembers the unique atmosphere of playing at Withdean Stadium after the loss of the historic Goldstone Ground in 1997, noting its amateur charm and how it intimidated visiting teams.
Retired accountant Paul Samrah played a pivotal role in averting the club's bankruptcy during the turbulent 90s. He described how players were being sold in what felt like a "fireside sale" and the shock revelation of the Goldstone Ground's sale. Samrah recounted the intense fan protests and the fight for "regime change" as the club slid towards the bottom of the division. A defining moment came in 1997 when the Seagulls were just 27 minutes from relegation until Robbie Reinelt scored a crucial equaliser against Hereford United, saving them from an unknown fate.
Samrah later spearheaded the campaign for the Amex stadium, the club's modern home, where he remains a season ticket holder. He highlights the enduring camaraderie and friendships forged at games as one of the best aspects of supporting the Albion. Both Cook and Samrah express immense pride in the club's current standing in the Premier League and its recent European appearances, a stark contrast to the existential threats faced just decades ago. Samrah hopes the club's future will never again be in such jeopardy, recognising its immense value to the city and Sussex.