Rosenior Backs Albion To Survive Toughest Season

Departing Brighton & Hove Albion defender Liam Rosenior identified the club’s upcoming second season in the Premier League as their toughest challenge, but believes Chris Hughton’s team have the capability to avoid relegation and grow further.

The 33-year-old enjoyed spells in the Premier League for Fulham, Reading and Hull City before joining the Seagulls in 2015, and he highlighted the difficult task of staying up second time around.

He said, “Realistically, the lads have just got to stay in the league again. I’ve had two relegations in my career, and they both came in the second season.

“That excitement and momentum wasn’t quite there and other teams knew how we were going to play. Players maybe take their eye off the ball in that second season.

“But it won’t be a problem with this group. There's a fantastic group of lads here, the manager has been there and done it - the best manager I’ve ever played for.

“If the club can navigate this season, I think the club can grow and get even bigger. But the primary aim for next season has got to be staying up again.

“Hopefully the fans stay grounded and stay behind the team. I see other club’s fans get unrealistic expectations after the first season and put more pressure on the team.

“The whole motto during my time at the club has been 'Together’. I think the hardest season is to come - that’s not a bad thing, it’s a challenge, and I’m sure the lads will rise to the occasion."

Rosenior become a fans’ favourite during his time on the south coast, with his hard-working performances on the pitch and generous community work off it, and the full-back praised the club’s supporters for their unconditional backing.

“The whole club is set up perfectly for the community that it represents. The fans are knowledgeable and they get behind the team.

“I remember playing Fulham at Craven Cottage and I didn’t realise how good the away support was - we won 2-1 and scored a last-minute penalty.

“I thought ‘this club is going to take off’. Everything was right - the fans were fantastic, the home and away support was growing all the time.

“When I take my kids to school, I now see other kids with Brighton shirts, whereas maybe a few years ago it was just Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal.

“This club has so much more potential and the fans are a huge part of that.”