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Burn: You could feel the confidence

Albion defender recalls aura of promotion-winning Seagulls.

By Alex Stedman • 17 April 2020

By Paul Hazlewood
Dan Burn contests for the ball with Tomer Hemed in April 2017.

Dan Burn was in the away dressing room three years ago today when Wigan Athletic visited the south coast.

Albion beat the Latics 2-1 before promotion to the Premier League was sealed when Huddersfield drew 2-2 against Derby. Burn says Albion’s determination to go up had been evident throughout that 2016/17 season. 

He said, “I just remember the great atmosphere in the tunnel before the game. You could feel the occasion and all the Brighton players had their families and relatives there too, which made it special for them. 

“When we played them at the DW Stadium Brighton didn’t play very well but Dale [Stephens] scored a screamer and they got the job done. That’s always the mark of a good side. They were riding a wave and you could see the confidence.

“There are obviously still a lot of the lads at the football club now. I remember Solly [March] sat me down when he scored!”

By Paul Hazlewood
Dan Burn battles for possession with Beram Kayal.

Burn and Wigan were relegated to England’s third tier a few days later before bouncing back in style and winning the League One title the following year. 

The centre-half switched to Brighton in the summer of 2018, heading back to Wigan for the first half of the 2018/19 season on loan before returning to Albion in January 2019. 

“I’ll always be grateful for the chance Wigan gave me after my release from Fulham,” he added. 

“Maybe I was a bit naive thinking I’d have a lot of offers. Wigan were the ones that showed interest and took a chance on me. I’m glad I managed to repay the faith they had by enjoying some good years there. 

“Since that time, I’ve made some really good progress. I always knew I had the ability to play at this level, but it was about being consistent and taking my chance. 

“I’ll always be thankful to Brighton for giving me that opportunity to be where I am now.”