Brighton lose record and we lose Jimmy Hill

When John Pargiter, bereft of any decent golf, called for advice on Seagulls’ chances before the match I could not be optimistic. We had conceded 4 goals in the last two matches and were playing the league leaders Middlesbrough without Solly March, Liam Rosenior, Gaetan Bong, Sam Baldock and the suspended Lewis Dunk. Middlesbrough were simply too well organised and won comfortably 3-0. Except  for a brief period of pressure in the beginning of the second half they were not seriously threatened.

During the first half I received a text from Alan Tanner that Jimmy Hill had passed away. Alan knew him well and his view was that due to his advanced dementia Jimmy had left  this world sometime ago. He felt strongly that during his life he was not accorded the respect and recognition within and without the game for all he contributed to it. For his charitable work alone with Sparks, which he set up, he believed he should have had a knighthood. He said that only when he passes away will he get that deserved respect. Alan had many a conversation with him over a whisky or three late into the night. He said Jimmy enjoyed his playing days at Fulham most and of all his contributions and ideas was proudest of 3 points for a win which was accepted universally.

As for Brighton, we must now regroup and refortify with some fresh legs in the transfer window. The group is not strong enough for automatic promotion and for the holy grail of £120m in the Premier it’s surely worth investing £10-15m in the team. As somebody said in our lounge we had better get used to not playing at 3pm on a Saturday and losing 3-0.