Simmonds: Promotion and Wembley are some of best Albion memories

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Defender grew up an Albion fan.

Charlie Hanson

2025-04-06T06:00+01:00

Freddie Simmonds has made 16 Premier League 2 appearances this season. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

Men’s under-21 defender Freddie Simmonds has said getting the opportunity to train with players he grew up watching doesn’t bother him.

The 17-year-old comes from a family of Albion fans, and can look back on some terrific experiences as a Brighton fan.

“I'm from Patcham and I come from a family of Brighton supporters on both my mum and dad’s side. I wasn't a season ticket holder because I would be playing, but I went regularly to games when I was younger," he said.

“I liked watching Lewis Dunk but it’s one thing seeing him on the pitch and another on the training pitch! He demands the highest level from you. He is a good role model.

Freddie has trained with the first-team a number of times this season. 📷 by James Boardman.

“I probably watched Albion the most when they got promoted to the Premier League. I must have been one of the first on the pitch when we beat Wigan to go up. Glenn Murray, Sam Baldock and Solly March are the players that stick out. Promotion and the day at Wembley for the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City are the best memories.

“I'm used to being here now though - I joined the club when I was six and I don't feel any pressure from my family, it's just me putting pressure on myself.”

The centre-back has trained a number of times with the first-team squad and feels he has benefitted a lot from that experience.

However, he is also learning a lot with under-21s from head coach Shannon Ruth and players who have had first-team experience, such as Ed Turns who completed a permanent move to Exeter City in January.

The defender has been with Albion since he was six-years-old. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

“It's been really smooth making the step up from the under-18s and I have made g a lot of progress. I was with most of the first years last season, so I built good connections with them already," he added.

“I learned a bit from Ed [Turns] because he's played in the Football League. He helped me quite a bit – even though at the time he could be a bit hard on me.

“Shannon is always trying to help us and each day you learn something from him. He’s really good to work with and the style of football he likes to play suits me. I like having a lot of the ball, but also I try to be aggressive out of possession as well.”

The under-21s are in action on Sunday when they entertain Liverpool in Premier League 2, kick-off 4pm.