Ollie Norwood has revealed Brighton is buzzing at the prospect of Barclays Premier League football being played in the city’s Amex Stadium next season.
The midfielder and his Brighton and Hove Albion team-mates were “blown away” by the reception they received earlier this month on their return from an end-of-season trip to the USA.
More than 100,000 fans turned out along the city’s seafront to witness the team’s promotion parade. A second place finish in the Championship, one point behind title winners Newcastle, ensured the Seagulls would be playing in England's top flight division next season.
“Never did we expect to be greeted by so many people. The promotion means so much to them and the city in general. To reach the Premier League is massive,” he said.
The Northern Ireland midfielder pointed out Brighton manager Chris Hughton, the players and the backroom staff deserve enormous credit for the team’s success.
And he also praised the chairman, Tony Bloom, and the Albion board for their efforts in building up the club and helping to secure promotion after 34 years out of the top flight of English football, especially considering the club nearly went of business 20 years ago when they had to sell their Goldstone Ground to pay off some debts.
“The team and club showed incredible strength of character to bounce back from play-off heartache last season. Everyone just picked up and went again. Being part of it is something special,” said Norwood.
“We know the Premier League is going to be a huge challenge. Only two members of our current squad have experienced it before. These are very exciting times.”
The midfielder believes it will be difficult for him to top the past 12 months on a personal level. It’s a period during which he has played for his country at a major international tournament for the first time – “taking part in the Euros was very special” - his wife gave birth to a baby boy and his team have been promoted to the Premier League.
“It has been a great season and I don’t think I will ever get a better one,” he said.
The former Huddersfield Town and Reading midfielder’s career was nurtured at the Manchester United Academy - he joined aged seven and left United in 2012 having never made a first team appearance - and he admits he would love to play for Brighton at Old Trafford next season.
However, he is really looking forward to one fixture in particular: Burnley FC, his hometown club, at Turf Moor.
“It would be great to play against Burnley. I have so many friends and family there. It’s nice to see Burnley doing well. I am proud to be from there,” he said.
