Andy Naylor
@andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social
Sexagenarian grandad with a senior citizens railcard, very happily married father of two grown-ups, repelling age with tennis, pilates and outdoor spas. Oh, and the only Stoke supporter covering Brighton.
How much support does Fabian Hurzeler have after another narrow defeat at Aston Villa?
Some fans think Brighton’s head coach should have been sacked by now, but owner Tony Bloom and the players see things differently. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
Some fans think Brighton’s head coach should have been sacked by now, but owner Tony Bloom and the players see things differently. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
Another defeat, but Fabian Hurzeler still has support of Brighton players and board
The bad run goes on for Brighton and the scrutiny on Fabian Hurzeler's position as head coach will intensify. But he is still safe for now
www.nytimes.com
February 12, 2026 at 7:22 AM
How much support does Fabian Hurzeler have after another narrow defeat at Aston Villa?
Some fans think Brighton’s head coach should have been sacked by now, but owner Tony Bloom and the players see things differently. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
Some fans think Brighton’s head coach should have been sacked by now, but owner Tony Bloom and the players see things differently. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
Hurzeler baffled by Baleba booking in narrow defeat at Aston Villa. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
‘It doesn’t make sense’: Brighton’s Hurzeler baffled by Carlos Baleba booking
The early yellow card led to Baleba's withdrawal in the 22nd minute to avoid the danger of a red card.
www.nytimes.com
February 11, 2026 at 11:49 PM
Hurzeler baffled by Baleba booking in narrow defeat at Aston Villa. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
A glimmer of light in the gloom of the defeat against Crystal Palace.
Harry Howell became Brighton’s youngest ever Premier League starter. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
Harry Howell became Brighton’s youngest ever Premier League starter. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
Brighton get a glimpse of a bright future as Harry Howell makes full Premier League debut
The 17-year-old midfielder became the youngest to start a Premier League game in the defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday
www.nytimes.com
February 10, 2026 at 7:18 AM
A glimmer of light in the gloom of the defeat against Crystal Palace.
Harry Howell became Brighton’s youngest ever Premier League starter. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
Harry Howell became Brighton’s youngest ever Premier League starter. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
Brighton’s home defeat by Crystal Palace was an uncomfortable watch accompanied by mounting discontent towards Fabian Hurzeler.
What it means for Hurzeler’s future and whether he is entirely to blame for a nosedive from 5th to 14th since November. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
What it means for Hurzeler’s future and whether he is entirely to blame for a nosedive from 5th to 14th since November. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
Brighton looking down rather than up for first time in years – and the anti-Hurzeler brigade is growing
With one win in 12 games there is a seething discontent on home soil. But the head coach should be fine until his summer review
www.nytimes.com
February 9, 2026 at 6:23 AM
Brighton’s home defeat by Crystal Palace was an uncomfortable watch accompanied by mounting discontent towards Fabian Hurzeler.
What it means for Hurzeler’s future and whether he is entirely to blame for a nosedive from 5th to 14th since November. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
What it means for Hurzeler’s future and whether he is entirely to blame for a nosedive from 5th to 14th since November. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
First PL start for Harry Howell. Boscagli and Kostoulas also in, for the injured Ayari, benched Welbeck and van Hecke (reason for absence currently unknown). #BHAFC
February 8, 2026 at 1:08 PM
First PL start for Harry Howell. Boscagli and Kostoulas also in, for the injured Ayari, benched Welbeck and van Hecke (reason for absence currently unknown). #BHAFC
The return of a club legend, loan resets and a surprising late exit.
Verdict on Brighton’s January window and what the rest of the season looks like. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
Verdict on Brighton’s January window and what the rest of the season looks like. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
Brighton January transfer window review — and summer priority
Brighton had a quiet window in terms of incomings, making just one permanent addition and bringing a player back from loan
www.nytimes.com
February 4, 2026 at 7:51 AM
The return of a club legend, loan resets and a surprising late exit.
Verdict on Brighton’s January window and what the rest of the season looks like. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
Verdict on Brighton’s January window and what the rest of the season looks like. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
Brajan Gruda’s Brighton exit leaves a question mark over natural attacking width in the squad for the rest of the season. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
Brajan Gruda’s RB Leipzig loan leaves Brighton worryingly short in wide areas
Gruda may not yet be a consistent performer at Premier League level, but Brighton may now be leaving themselves short
www.nytimes.com
February 3, 2026 at 6:59 AM
Brajan Gruda’s Brighton exit leaves a question mark over natural attacking width in the squad for the rest of the season. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
Brighton need more from their top attacking players to get back on track.
Danny Welbeck, Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter have all been out of sorts during a run of one win in 11 league games. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
Danny Welbeck, Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter have all been out of sorts during a run of one win in 11 league games. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
Pascal Gross is delivering – but Brighton need other attackers to spark into life
Danny Welbeck has stopped scoring, Kaoru Mitoma is struggling and Georginio Rutter is failing to reach last season's heights
www.nytimes.com
February 2, 2026 at 6:14 AM
Brighton need more from their top attacking players to get back on track.
Danny Welbeck, Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter have all been out of sorts during a run of one win in 11 league games. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
Danny Welbeck, Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter have all been out of sorts during a run of one win in 11 league games. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/701...
A young winger at Brighton on the way out, another on the way up.
Can Nehemiah Oriola achieve more than Jeremy Sarmiento? #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
Can Nehemiah Oriola achieve more than Jeremy Sarmiento? #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
The challenge for Nehemiah Oriola at Brighton is to succeed where Jeremy Sarmiento could not
Dubbed an 'unbelievable talent' by Fabian Hurzeler, Nehemiah Oriola is on the cusp of the Brighton first team - can he make the next step?
www.nytimes.com
January 30, 2026 at 6:42 AM
A young winger at Brighton on the way out, another on the way up.
Can Nehemiah Oriola achieve more than Jeremy Sarmiento? #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
Can Nehemiah Oriola achieve more than Jeremy Sarmiento? #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
Reposted by Andy Naylor
One win in ten? What's wrong with Brighton then? That's what we're asking @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social on TRK FC today
Also, just four wins in eleven for Coventry? Tense times, Simon Lillibury of the That Cov Pod?
pod.fo/e/382643
Also, just four wins in eleven for Coventry? Tense times, Simon Lillibury of the That Cov Pod?
pod.fo/e/382643
Route One: Abraham returns to Villa…and what’s wrong with Brighton?
Tammy Abraham has returned to Aston Villa in an £18.25m deal that might just have an impact on the title race. And possibly the England squad too…Plus, what’s wrong with Brighton? They’ve on...
pod.fo
January 28, 2026 at 1:47 PM
One win in ten? What's wrong with Brighton then? That's what we're asking @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social on TRK FC today
Also, just four wins in eleven for Coventry? Tense times, Simon Lillibury of the That Cov Pod?
pod.fo/e/382643
Also, just four wins in eleven for Coventry? Tense times, Simon Lillibury of the That Cov Pod?
pod.fo/e/382643
A column on the state of play at Brighton under Fabian Hurzeler.
They have dropped from 5th to 12th after 1 win in 10 games, prompting mounting criticism of the head coach from sections of the fanbase.
Is it fair or are they divorced from reality? #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
They have dropped from 5th to 12th after 1 win in 10 games, prompting mounting criticism of the head coach from sections of the fanbase.
Is it fair or are they divorced from reality? #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
Brighton have one win in 10, but there is still faith in the Fabian Hurzeler project
The club's stated aims are to compete for European qualification and win a first major trophy - are they on course to get there?
www.nytimes.com
January 28, 2026 at 6:27 AM
A column on the state of play at Brighton under Fabian Hurzeler.
They have dropped from 5th to 12th after 1 win in 10 games, prompting mounting criticism of the head coach from sections of the fanbase.
Is it fair or are they divorced from reality? #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
They have dropped from 5th to 12th after 1 win in 10 games, prompting mounting criticism of the head coach from sections of the fanbase.
Is it fair or are they divorced from reality? #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
Why Brighton need another specialist right-back and the problem it caused at Fulham in a game they should not have lost. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
Brighton’s lack of specialist right-backs is hindering Fabian Hurzeler – they need another
The defensive shortfall came back to bite them during Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Fulham
www.nytimes.com
January 26, 2026 at 7:16 AM
Why Brighton need another specialist right-back and the problem it caused at Fulham in a game they should not have lost. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
Boscagli, Ayari and Baleba for Veltman, Hinshelwood, Gruda (injured).
Guessing game on some positions/formation.
Could be Boscagli left-back in a four, Gomez on the right, Gross 10.
#BHAFC
Guessing game on some positions/formation.
Could be Boscagli left-back in a four, Gomez on the right, Gross 10.
#BHAFC
January 24, 2026 at 2:14 PM
Boscagli, Ayari and Baleba for Veltman, Hinshelwood, Gruda (injured).
Guessing game on some positions/formation.
Could be Boscagli left-back in a four, Gomez on the right, Gross 10.
#BHAFC
Guessing game on some positions/formation.
Could be Boscagli left-back in a four, Gomez on the right, Gross 10.
#BHAFC
Brighton became the first Premier League club for 23 years to start with four players aged 34+ against Bournemouth.
A look at why they have so few players in the mid to late twenties age band in the squad. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
A look at why they have so few players in the mid to late twenties age band in the squad. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
Why do Brighton have so few ‘peak age’ players in their ranks?
Fabian Hurzeler's squad largely comprises either youngsters brimming with potential or elder statesmen, with not much else in between
www.nytimes.com
January 22, 2026 at 6:58 AM
Brighton became the first Premier League club for 23 years to start with four players aged 34+ against Bournemouth.
A look at why they have so few players in the mid to late twenties age band in the squad. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
A look at why they have so few players in the mid to late twenties age band in the squad. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
Taking a breath after a home draw, there are reasons to believe Brighton have a chance in the congested race for Europe.
Kostoulas a Welbeck alternative, Baleba and Minteh back (the latter to combine with Mitoma), Wieffer + March to add more depth. #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
Kostoulas a Welbeck alternative, Baleba and Minteh back (the latter to combine with Mitoma), Wieffer + March to add more depth. #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
In a chaotic Premier League season, Brighton can win the race for Europe
They may have only drawn with Bournemouth, but Monday evening's match offered a reminder of their crucial depth
www.nytimes.com
January 20, 2026 at 8:25 AM
Taking a breath after a home draw, there are reasons to believe Brighton have a chance in the congested race for Europe.
Kostoulas a Welbeck alternative, Baleba and Minteh back (the latter to combine with Mitoma), Wieffer + March to add more depth. #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
Kostoulas a Welbeck alternative, Baleba and Minteh back (the latter to combine with Mitoma), Wieffer + March to add more depth. #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
No real surprises here after the away combo of Man City (PL) and Man U (FA Cup).
Baleba on bench, Minteh too after injury.
Gomez at 10 rather than Rutter. #BHAFC
There has been sickness in the camp.
Baleba on bench, Minteh too after injury.
Gomez at 10 rather than Rutter. #BHAFC
There has been sickness in the camp.
January 19, 2026 at 7:10 PM
No real surprises here after the away combo of Man City (PL) and Man U (FA Cup).
Baleba on bench, Minteh too after injury.
Gomez at 10 rather than Rutter. #BHAFC
There has been sickness in the camp.
Baleba on bench, Minteh too after injury.
Gomez at 10 rather than Rutter. #BHAFC
There has been sickness in the camp.
How does Fabian Hurzeler keep eight midfielders happy?
The issue for Brighton’s head coach is highlighted by Carlos Baleba’s return to contention against Bournemouth tonight after featuring at the AFCON for Cameroon. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
The issue for Brighton’s head coach is highlighted by Carlos Baleba’s return to contention against Bournemouth tonight after featuring at the AFCON for Cameroon. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
Carlos Baleba is ‘ready to play’ for Brighton. But will he start vs Bournemouth?
Hurzeler now has eight central midfielders in the squad for two positions. The conundrum is how Baleba fits into this congested picture
www.nytimes.com
January 19, 2026 at 7:08 AM
How does Fabian Hurzeler keep eight midfielders happy?
The issue for Brighton’s head coach is highlighted by Carlos Baleba’s return to contention against Bournemouth tonight after featuring at the AFCON for Cameroon. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
The issue for Brighton’s head coach is highlighted by Carlos Baleba’s return to contention against Bournemouth tonight after featuring at the AFCON for Cameroon. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
Carl Rushworth is on course to play in the Premier League next season.
Eiran Cashin has kicked off 2026 with a sideways Championship move. Their contrasting fortunes show that picking the right club for a player to join on loan is a risky business. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
Eiran Cashin has kicked off 2026 with a sideways Championship move. Their contrasting fortunes show that picking the right club for a player to join on loan is a risky business. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
Carl Rushworth and Eiran Cashin are giving Brighton a mixed taste of the loan market
The pair's contrasting fortunes this season show that picking the right club for a player to join on loan is a risky business
www.nytimes.com
January 16, 2026 at 7:27 AM
Carl Rushworth is on course to play in the Premier League next season.
Eiran Cashin has kicked off 2026 with a sideways Championship move. Their contrasting fortunes show that picking the right club for a player to join on loan is a risky business. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
Eiran Cashin has kicked off 2026 with a sideways Championship move. Their contrasting fortunes show that picking the right club for a player to join on loan is a risky business. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
Fabian Hurzeler needs a number nine back up plan for Danny Welbeck. #BHAFC
It helps Brighton’s head coach to have summer signing Charalampos Kostoulas up his sleeve.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
It helps Brighton’s head coach to have summer signing Charalampos Kostoulas up his sleeve.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
Charalampos Kostoulas could have no better striker to learn from than Danny Welbeck
Kostoulas has benefited during his introduction to English football from working alongside the vastly experienced Welbeck
www.nytimes.com
January 14, 2026 at 6:34 AM
Fabian Hurzeler needs a number nine back up plan for Danny Welbeck. #BHAFC
It helps Brighton’s head coach to have summer signing Charalampos Kostoulas up his sleeve.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
It helps Brighton’s head coach to have summer signing Charalampos Kostoulas up his sleeve.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
Brighton acted out of character in the summer of 2024 with nine buys for £200m.
It hurt the bank balance that season, but the FA Cup win at Manchester United demonstrated that the one-off big splash can reap dividends.
Analysis from Old Trafford. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
It hurt the bank balance that season, but the FA Cup win at Manchester United demonstrated that the one-off big splash can reap dividends.
Analysis from Old Trafford. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
Are Brighton beginning to reap the rewards of their £200m spending spree?
It was unlike Brighton to go so hard in the summer 2024 transfer window but there are signs the investment is beginning to pay off
www.nytimes.com
January 12, 2026 at 6:30 AM
Brighton acted out of character in the summer of 2024 with nine buys for £200m.
It hurt the bank balance that season, but the FA Cup win at Manchester United demonstrated that the one-off big splash can reap dividends.
Analysis from Old Trafford. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
It hurt the bank balance that season, but the FA Cup win at Manchester United demonstrated that the one-off big splash can reap dividends.
Analysis from Old Trafford. #BHAFC
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
Six changes to the team that drew with Manchester blue.
Steele
Veltman
Coppola
Boscagli
Gruda
Welbeck (capt)
Benched: Verbruggen, van Hecke, Dunk, Ayari, Mitoma.
De Cuyper not involved (neither is Milner and Minteh still out).
#BHAFC
Steele
Veltman
Coppola
Boscagli
Gruda
Welbeck (capt)
Benched: Verbruggen, van Hecke, Dunk, Ayari, Mitoma.
De Cuyper not involved (neither is Milner and Minteh still out).
#BHAFC
January 11, 2026 at 3:45 PM
Six changes to the team that drew with Manchester blue.
Steele
Veltman
Coppola
Boscagli
Gruda
Welbeck (capt)
Benched: Verbruggen, van Hecke, Dunk, Ayari, Mitoma.
De Cuyper not involved (neither is Milner and Minteh still out).
#BHAFC
Steele
Veltman
Coppola
Boscagli
Gruda
Welbeck (capt)
Benched: Verbruggen, van Hecke, Dunk, Ayari, Mitoma.
De Cuyper not involved (neither is Milner and Minteh still out).
#BHAFC