It was the Oscars a couple of weeks ago, and as I am sure you all know, one of the nominees for Best Song in 1944 was Accentuate The Positive.
The central message of Johnny Mercer’s lyrics were of course to accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative. It’s a sound principle I’ve managed to largely ignore my entire life, but I am applying it now to the remainder of our season.
So here, with reference to a more recent song by Ian Dury, are 10 reasons to be cheerful about the close of the 2023-24 campaign for Brighton & Hove Albion.
1) Kaoru Mitoma’s injury
How is that a positive, you ask with some justification? We all know that our Japanese star was being talked of as a potential signing for several of the Big Six Chequebook clubs – and Barcelona – prior to his absence for the Asian Cup and the back injury that has ended his season.
Whilst we will undoubtedly continue to miss his contributions badly in the remaining games, the fact that his talents are not being showcased may mean he’s not at the top of Todd Boehly’s list of summer signings, or indeed others.
Having Mitoma’s services until 2025 may outweigh missing him for the final 10 games of the current 2023-24 season.
2) New signings
Carlos Baleba showed just what he is capable of in the otherwise lacklustre team display against Nottingham Forest. Valentin Barco’s cameo in the dismal defeat at Wolves was hugely exciting in terms of his potential.
Waiting in the wings is Ghanaian winger Ibrahim Osman, currently with Nordskjelland in Denmark but signed for next season.
Whatever the issues over the number of signings in the recent January window, there can be little doubt that Brighton ‘s renowned recruitment operation is still whirring away perfectly.
3) Not winning the FA Cup or the Europa League
Again, the upside of not securing top level silverware could well be that Roberto De Zerbi is less of a target for elite clubs across the English, Spanish and Italian leagues.
Even if De Zerbi does move on to a Champions League regular with vastly superior resources, we can be sure that Tony Bloom and Paul Barber have a successor lined up.
That might be Reuben Amorim or someone, like De Zerbi was at the time of his appointment, largely off the radar as far as the Premier League is concerned.
4) Step back and get a better perspective
Yes, we are all disappointed that Lewis Dunk won’t be lifting a trophy in May. However, we are still on course for a third successive top 10 finish in the toughest league in the world, and still in with a good shot at a second successive European qualification.
De Zerbi is right to push for more, but let’s remember battling relegation, missing out on promotion from the Championship, and of course near oblivion as a club 25 years or so ago.
5) Profit not loss
The club is generating a healthy profit for the first time. Bloom is entitled to a return on his investments over the past two decades, but it also puts the club in a far more sustainable position for continued success with the men’s team, and building of the women’s team.
In the long run that should deliver a more competitive wage structure, not on a par with the Saudi and US owned mega clubs, but higher up the table of wage payers.
6) The Europa experience
Few would have thought, in light of our first Europa League game ending in home defeat against AEK Athens, that the Albion would top their group.
We humbled giants like Olympique Marseille and Ajax en route to a huge tie in Rome’s Olympic Stadium. Memories from those away ties, for those lucky enough to go, will last a lifetime.
For those like me who couldn’t, the image of João Pedro in the stands after scoring in the dying minutes against Marseille will live long in the memory.
More tangibly, the club now knows the pressures of two games a week, particularly the impact of injuries on the squad. Whether we qualify or not for Europe next season, the learning is surely invaluable.
7) A better Amex:
Whilst there is much that needs to improve in terms of match day experience, the addition of the new fan zone ‘Box Park’ style building ought to be a step in the right direction. It is also another sign of investment by the club in supporter facilities.
8) The squad
As last season drew to a close, it was clear that arguably our two star players were headed to other clubs. I’d argue that potential departures are less likely this close season.
That isn’t to say players like Evan Ferguson, Simon Adingra, Julio Enciso, Pedro and Mitoma (despite my caveat above) won’t be linked with interest from other clubs, but I’d hope we keep most of them.
Alongside Osman and Barco emerging next season, we will have I am sure further signings, plus the returns of Solly March and Jack Hinshelwood.
9) Our big wins so far
Let us not forget some of the standout results of the 2023-24 season so far: Beating Manchester United at Old Trafford, and Newcastle United and Spurs at the Amex. And of course hitting Palace for four.
Whereas our home record was somewhat patchy under Graham Potter – particularly during the Covid lockdown season – Brighton are unbeaten at home since August.
10) 10 Games Remain
We still have to play five of the top six teams, only two of the bottom six. 30 points are up for grabs, and we have proven over the past few seasons that we can beat anyone – none of the Big Six remain undefeated against us.
With Pedro back, there should be a dozen points we ought to be able to bank – hopefully more. There might already be a 10 point gap to Spurs in fifth to close, which is likely too much.
Sixth is probably the highest we can aspire to, but let’s remember there is a good possibility the side in eighth might secure European football next season.
Conclusion
So, a better financial position, a stronger squad, solid at home, a new level of experience, another top 10 finish and potentially European qualification within reach.
There is much to be positive about as we head into the international break and the final 10 games of a memorable season. Keep your heads up and let’s get behind the team against Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, City, United and the rest.
Warren Morgan @WarrenBHAFC
