Brighton & Hove Albion’s matchday programme has again been voted Premier League Programme of the Season.
Awarded by Soccer Club Swap Shop – who host the only national programme awards in existence – Albion has taken top spot for 2019/20, making it a third successive award-winning season for the programme team.
It’s also the fifth time the matchday magazine has finished top of the pile in recent years, having also won two Championship awards.
This season’s publication has again maintained its £3.50 cover price, with a perfect-bound, 100-page format, while undergoing a new look in terms of design, size and feel.
“It’s always nice to receive recognition on a national scale, certainly in the Premier League where there are a number of matchday programmes of a very high standard,” said Albion’s publications editor Luke Nicoli. “The challenge for us each year is to keep raising the bar and we feel we’ve done that again this season.
“We’ve had some excellent feedback from our supporters, likewise from opposing clubs visiting the Amex, and it’s always nice for the programme team to be recognised, given the hard work, long hours and dedication that goes into producing each issue.
“With digital platforms now so prevalent, we always aim to provide an alternative read for our fans come matchday and that has been achieved thanks to our varied content, excellent design and eye-catching photography.
“I’d like to thank all of our contributors for their continued excellence and, of course, Graham Potter and the Albion players for always being so accommodating.
“The season is not yet over and despite the challenges that lie ahead in the coming weeks, we will still be producing a matchday programme for our fans – both in print and in digital format – to accompany each of our remaining five home fixtures.
Phil Watkins, of Soccer Club Swap Shop, added, “At first sight, Albion’s programme is well designed – bright with clean lines.
“In terms of editorial, the club’s other teams, ie the youth, ladies and disability teams, are very well covered, as is the statistics section.
“Words from the manager and a board representative [in Albion’s case Paul Barber] always create talking points while the features on the club’s history are relevant [with this season marking 100 years since Albion became a Football League club] and enjoyable.
“There are also well-written articles on a variety of wide-ranging football subjects while the information on the opposition are also well researched. Generally the programme has a good selection of pictures and is not too heavy on the advertising.
“The poster magazine at the end of the programme is a little extra twist as well, so add this to the 100 pages and it is considered good value for £3.50.”
To purchase your Albion programmes online, click here