Hinshelwood: 'We can attack the Conference League with our full ambition'

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Midfielder delighted to help Albion get a second crack at European football next season.

Nick Szczepanik

2026-05-26T05:00+01:00

Sunday was a bittersweet occasion for Jack Hinshelwood as Albion lost to Manchester United but still qualified for the UEFA Conference League.

Jack Hinshelwood has admitted that he had mixed feelings after the last game of the season against Manchester United.

On one hand he was disappointed with the result, a 3-0 defeat. But on the other, he was delighted that Albion were to be back in European competition via the UEFA Conference League.

In the end, it was the roar of relief from the North Stand when the whistle blew at Anfield to confirm the team’s eighth-place finish that made up his mind.

“For a bit I couldn't tell whether I was half fuming or half buzzing,” he said. “But no, the fans' reaction, you can see how much it meant to them to get a European place. After the Palace game at home, if you'd said we'd finish eighth and get in the Conference League, then we would have snapped your hand off.

“Brentford away was a massive turning point for us. The run we went on after that set us on our way. Because we were so disappointed with the game here against Palace and the games before.

“I’m still a little bit gutted that we didn't pick up any points from the last two games, which would have got us Europa League. But, yeah, these things happen and at least we can attack the Conference League now with our full ambition.

“Once we get our heads around it, I think we've got a massive opportunity to really go and do well. You've seen the English clubs doing well in the last couple of years. So I think it's a tournament we can go deep into.”

Jack in action against AEK Athens on his European debut in November 2023.

Jack believes that both he and the club will be better equipped for a European campaign after our Europa League experience three seasons ago.

“I sort of broke through that season,” he said. “I think I only started two Europa League games. But the experience was incredible and something I've been itching to get back and do for this club.

“I can't wait, to be honest. This city is so well supported and I think it's only the second time in history the club's played in Europe. So, it's going to be a special season and I can't wait to be a part of it.

“I think we've had that Thursday-Sunday experience now. We know what it takes. Most of us have had a taste of what it's like. We'll be prepared for that schedule and look forward to it.

“It's great. Thursday, Sunday, more games of football. It's what we want as players.

It's what the fans want. Bring it on.”

Before that, Jack will have a well-earned rest. “Much-needed, I think,” he said. “First time in probably three or four years I've had a summer off. So, I'm going to use it.

"I felt the effects of it last summer from playing the Under-21 Euros and then coming back in. So, I'm going to take my time and prepare and get ready for a big season ahead.”

And, while watching some of his teammates playing in the World Cup, he can contemplate his own England ambitions.

“Playing well for Brighton is going to help me. So, I've got to focus on that.

I was included in [Thomas Tuchel’s] long list, which was a nice recognition for my hard work.

"That has given me a bit of motivation now, to know that they see what I'm doing. But the first thing is to focus on having a good full season for Brighton, because I'm still yet to do that.”