Football Season Review

Brighton and Hove Albion enjoyed a largely successful 2013/14 campaign, but ultimately their goal to secure promotion to the Premier League failed at the Playoff semi-final stage. The Seagulls hovered in and around the final Playoff places for much of the campaign but it was not until the latter six weeks of the season that Albion really came into their own. A dramatic last minute goal on the final day of the main season at Nottingham Forest ensured Brighton would face Derby County in their two-legged semi-final for a place at Wembley. Boss, Oscar Garcia had often struggled to win over the Albion faithful with his side's slow tempo style and defensive mentality proving to be effective but far from easy on the eye. The return of target man striker, Leonardo Ulloa in the second half of the season gave the Seagulls a huge boost and he ended up with 14 goals to his name. Young midfielders, Rohan Ince and Jake Forster-Caskey also made their name, while the central defensive partnership of skipper, Gordon Greer and Matthew Upson was largely rock solid. Brighton conceded just 40 goals this season, the second lowest figure in the division. But ultimately, this was to prove in vain, as they were overran in both legs as Derby deservedly booked a place in the Playoff final. Albion boss, Garcia promptly resigned after the semi-final defeat, leaving Brighton having to find a permanent successor for 2014/15.

Player of the Season: Matthew Upson