It is going to feel very strange when our Premier League season re-starts on Saturday against Arsenal and over 27,000 Brighton fans are not in the Amex cheering on Graham Potter and the team.
While I am pleased that we will be able to complete the season - both from a sporting integrity and financial point of view, albeit with no supporters in the ground - it is important that we keep things in perspective at this time of great tragedy and sadness that Covid-19 has inflicted on so many families worldwide.
Over the past few months, the health and well-being of supporters, players and staff have been paramount in the discussions about resuming football. As a club, we have been adamant from the start that, even without fans, we wanted to retain the advantage of playing at home in familiar surroundings.
One of our strongest arguments was that, thanks to the excellent relationship we have with our supporter groups as well as police and safety authorities, we are extremely confident that we can meet the protocols laid down by the Government and Premier League and stage games behind closed doors safely.
MA+ members & STH only - Log-in required
Log-in required
We are proud of our fans and their passionate support for the team, and I appreciate that it’s just not going to feel the same only being able to follow the Albion on TV for the next few weeks. Nevertheless, we’re trying to make the experience as enjoyable as it can be for you, and it’s great that many hundreds of you will be in the ground - ‘virtually’ at least - watching as “a Fan in the Stand”.
However, while some fans may be tempted to come to the Amex on matchdays, I urge you to resist the temptation. Having fans milling around the Amex will not only damage the club’s reputation, but also put at risk our ability to stage games in our own stadium at a later date.
One day, hopefully in the not too distant future, we’ll be welcoming supporters back to the Amex. It will be a fantastic occasion and something I am looking forward to as much as you.