Here's the new Stars home of the Brighton & Hove Albion !

The thread that started it all:

http://www.northstandchat.com/showthread.php?t=180503

Here are the Seagulls that have been adopted:
Gary Dicker -- hairygrump
Andrew Whing -- GumbyGrrl
Jamie Smith -- Ayeready
Gary Hart -- Soccer Boy
Tommy Elphick -- tra_peterson
Inigo Calderon -- GregX
Michael Poke -- Tarkus
Adam El-Abd -- thesuperrookie
Chris Holroyd -- jimcrist
Matt Sparrow -- Lightning Striker
Ashley Barnes -- Fordprefect
Agustin Battipiedi -- Bruce

Can I adopt Manager Gus Poyet because of his former Spurs connections? Or, the physio because his name is James Joyce?

Also, once said player/staff member is adopted do we have to start sending them care packages? If so, what does a League One outfit need? Toothpaste? Ramen?

You have to post a picture in order to adopt. That is a rule!

Here you go chaps, my NSC Jersey arrived today, as indeed did a Thunder shirt from 2009.

http://www.oldfootballshirts.com/en/team...irt-s19076.html

http://www.oldfootballshirts.com/en/team...irt-s19077.html

Anyone else got a few they might like to share?

Oh, and I am still up for a jersey swap, I have one or two Brighton shirts to spare

Likewise, guys. If anyone is up for a jersey swap let me know. I have a few Seagulls ones to share.

What kind of name is Sheffield "Wednesday?" I think this has to be one of the stupidest names in the entire soccer (football) world!

I might be wrong, but I believe Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United shared a stadium, and one played on Saturday and the other played on Wednesday.

Ah, the power of Wikipedia:
The club was initially a cricket team named The Wednesday Cricket Club after the day of the week when they played their matches. The footballing side of the club was established to keep the team together and fit during the winter months.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Sheffield_Wednesday_F.C.
Oh yeah, and maybe the name wasn't so stupid when it was named; "SWFC was born on the evening of Wednesday 4 September 1867"
Actually, that's when the football club was named; the cricket club had the name before that.

I would support Sheffield United--but never those Wednesday people! I do see out English lads lost today. Hopefully the Stars will pick up three points tonight at the Nessy!

Too bad we can't watch the video highlights 'in our territory'

The colonies always get jobbed. Time to dump the tea in the harbor again...

hello chaps. i adopted devin del do!
hows the pleasurer doing?

Alas, still recovering from an early injury. I haven't heard any word on whether he'll get a game before the end of the season.

Too bad, I was really looking forward to shouting "You've been Del Do'd to an opposition goalie.

I talked to Del Do at the last game. He's close to ready. The only problem will be earning a spot in our already crowded midfield. If he were a forward instead of mid, he wouldn't have such a tough time.

That's a shame might have to grab myself a minnesota shirt on next payday! if anyone is still up for a shirt swapsies i have last years shirt, the year before's and the year before that's (is that a word?) id be willing to part with. unfortunately this years shirt has El-Abd on the back, so pretty sure nobody would want to swap it!

Here's the injury update, and Del Do is off the list. He still needs to earn his spot on the roster, but it looks like he's fit.

http://www.nscminnesota.org/news/features_blogs/459844.html

I was just thinking about this the other day when I saw the report. He has been playing strong in the various training sessions I have watched. I would like to see him be a part of the 18-man game roster and come in as a sub at some point. From what I see, he is a fairly fast player, however, he is not the tallest person out on the pitch!

Big win today for our boys. My adoptee Barnsey nets his first.

Seems the Spanish Wrangler had a decent game from the look of the ratings on the NSC board, mostly 6 or 7 out of 10. I was going to say he was 6's and 7's but I think that has a different meaning for a defender (and not a good one).

Hooray for someone getting 3 points!

Result!

Smith didn't start, but seemed to make a good impression.

For anyone that missed out on having an adoptee, it looks like they've signed former Chelsea youth-system midfielder Liam Bridcutt.

How is Gary Hart doing? Between the EPL, the Stars, MLS, the Seagulls, and that silly Australian soccer league, I have not had a chance to monitor the performance of Mr. Hart. Someone needs to help me out here. Thanks.

The boys took it on the chin today in the Johnston's Paint Thingy. 2-0 to Leyton Orient, who from the sounds of it should have probably beaten like a circus monkey. As they say, now they can focus on the league...

Liam Bridcutt!! Yet another Stockport County recruit at the Seagulls!
See you in Division 2 next season or probablt not as we will be in the Conference by then.
Cheshire League in 5 seasons!Ground sharing at Cheadle Town.

For those on this side who were confused by the use of "flair", here's an example from the Scotland National Team manager: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/scotland/8969305.stm

Flair + scottish players... LMAO

I have not been to the North Stands Chat page for awhile. I was on there tonight, and I got the following message:

"Hello Soccer Boy it appears that you have not posted on our forums in several weeks, why not take a few moments to ask a question, abuse Crystal Palace or just engage in a conversation with everyone else on the Big Board?"

I think the USL Boards should have a similar message. I think they should direct insults toward the Portland Timbers.

I'm just getting around to this now, but here is my official adoption notice.
Gus Poyet, I officially adopt you. Should you need anything that I, a Minnesotan, can provide, please let me know. There might be something not as commonly available in Brighton. Alpaca hats for example. Do people have those there? I don't know, but Gus, I'm here for you.
Yours truly,
Minnesota Nice FC

By the way, has anybody noticed that the Albion is sitting astride the League One table like the white-feathered emperor of all footballing sea carrion-eaters? Five game undefeated streak?

When NSC Minnesota does well, so does Albion.

Why can't their owner prop us up?

That clip of Gotsmanov the Elder scoring for Albion is great. It appears the apple fell far from the tree... and when it did, it critically injured Glassjawmanov and he was unable to play further.

Perhaps we can do a Crystal Palace, get their owner to come in and we'll be Brighton and Hove Albion Minnesota.

I think it would be BHAMNNSC... bahminessy... the Abominable Nessies! Sweet!

Has anyone adopted Kazenga LuaLua? That's a belter of a name.

His goal today keeps the 'Gulls at the top by three points!

Not a bad goal either, slightly tetchy game, lots of mistakes, but we did dominate, and deserved the win. LuaLua would probably give Usain Bolt a run for his money (well over 25 yards at least!), he is superfast. I think most of us are hoping he signs on till the end of the season, his current deal with us runs out in January.

The Seagulls are at the top of the league!
http://www.bha.vitalfootball.co.uk/matchrep.asp?a=520542

Hopefully we can borrow the mojo during the playoffs.

With any luck next season will see Pompey, Brighton & Bournemouth all reviving the south coast derbies with scum languishing in the 3rd tier.

After are last 2 gmes I think we have turned the corner and should be reasonably safe this season. There has to be at least 3 teams worse than us in the championship.

Did you see that scum's chairman has banned Bournemouth's chairman from attending the game this week as his one man crusade against sanity continues ?

Nessy got a shout out!
http://www.skysports.com/fanzone/blogs/story/0,24015,17801_6433476,00.html

That's awesome!

3 points for the Gulls today. The Spanish Wrangler put one in the back of the net as well as the unadopted Glenn Murray. We may get to experience the joys of promotion at this rate!

I'm adopting a new player, as my first choice has been sent away on loan:
Andrew Whing been loaned to Leyton Orient after coming to terms with his Brighton career coming to an end.

Read more: http://www.bha.vitalfootball.co.uk/sitepage.asp?a=520903#ixzz13ldKcXvI

So now I'm adopting another defender, Marcos Painter.

Painter is a class act, we've been crying out for a left sided defender for a few years now, looks like we finally have one in Marcos.

Things are looking pretty sweet now, 8 points clear at the top of the league, another decent victory away from home on Saturday against a top team, let's hope we don't come down to earth with a bump tomorrow night against Exeter.

LuaLua's out for 10 weeks with a broken ankle. No good.

I know a lot of you have been into following Brighton recently. FSC will have a tape delay broadcast of the Brighton v FC United of Manchester FA Cup match at 7pm on Saturday.

As a member of FC United of Manchester I will be hoping that they win. Sorry.

No spoilers for those of you that aren't watching this live, hot damn. This is really a game.

FC United of Manchester are true fans of the game unlike the lot who follow man u$a, for the Seaweed not to wallop them (and I have not seen any scores) would be embarassing to say the least.

No spoilers here either. I am a member of FC United of Manchester but I think there are many people who legitimately love Man U but hate the Glazers. One does not have to like the ownership of a club to be a supporter.

We await the winners in Round 3.

gee and I'm in the UK that weekend with an unlimited rail pass.. Hmmm.....

Are you lot wanting to hold off on posting the score etc or are regular updates ok ?

Seems Poyet may well rest a few 1st teamers and 'concentrate on the league'.

As for Pompey, would be nice to have a few players we could rest !

What? No one has adopted ex-Wilmington Hammerhead Glenn Murray? Shocking!

Early chance for Brighton ruled offside...

Kitson sent off for elbow throw.. ginger idiot.

BHA 1-0 Woods... 28 mins....

BHA 2-0 Barnes (p) 45+5 absolute **$&#& blatant penno

PFC 2-1 Kilbey, young Tom scores as a sub on his cup debut, long throw in to box & he swings his peg at it..

Nervous 10 mins to go for the Seaweed ...

Nerves ended... 3-1 BHA...

Clear difference between an owner who cares for his club & one who does not.

The morale at Pompey is rock-bottom, fair play to Brighton they deserve the win today & good luck for the rest of the season.

Auntie BeeB is ripping Portsmouth a new one right now. And they're all praising Southampton Reserves for knocking out Blackpool Reserves... something like 18 line up changes for both teams in that game

Beeb don't like us anymore than the prem do, they kiss twitchy's ass all day & night.

**** 'em

Just figured out I am going to be in London the day BHA travels to Brentford. Its time to jump on the bandwagon with both feet.

Griffin park is a nice old ground. You'll enjoy yourself there.

Griffin park is the only greound in England with a pub on all 4 corners, I knew I remembered it for a reason

Have you got yourself a ticket(s)? I think it's all ticket for Albion fans. We have only been given an allocation of 1850 so start planning now if want to get on the Gus Bus in person. I expect you'll be able to get in with the home fans.

I have just checked with The Albion ticket office and tickets are still available (we have MK Dons and Yeovil before Brentford so people are buying them first). If you want, I'll see if I can buy an extra ticket so you can be in with us Albion supporters. Let me know.

I updated the adoption list for this year on the NSC board: chip in if you think I've slandered/sold short/overlooked a player.

I feel like I should remember more about Cosgriff and Gilkerson.

Do we really have no number 8? I hate that.

Get out of my head! I was just going to do that. You of course did a much better job. Did you see the comment someone made about Gotsmanov's father playing for Brighton?

Edit: Just read it fully. Good God you're hilarious. My coworkers are giving my cube a wide berth as I sit giggling. Has nothing to do with your post, just a normal day at the office.

I think Gotsmanov's BHA tie is what makes me really want to see him play well, rather than just writing him off. I was surprised he was signed again, but hey, hope springs eternal.

I don't know how predictive this'll be of the season, but against the Fire the midfield got sharper when Gots, Lorei and Taka were all on the field together.

I'm very hopeful for him, but mostly because I think he's going to produce.

We have a #8 - Wasson. He's out for now - surgery soon - but he's working on being back before the season is done. I talked with him last night. He's going to give a lot to this team, even without being able to play. Keeping him on was a smart move by the FO.

You should tell them about meeting the BHA supporting Fire guy...

Re: Wasson - I suppose it is nice they didn't give his number away. The injury is likely to be a season-long one though, isn't it? Bummer.

That's it - with a 4-3 goalstravaganza win over Dagenham & Redsomething the Seagulls secured their place in the Championship next year.

Congratulations Brighton and Hove Albion!

Excellent news for the Seagulls!

Welcome back to the championship you seaweed types. Two local derbies to look forward to next season.

Already it looks to be a nasty division with Pompey v scumhampton, Brighton v Palace, West Ham v Millwall, Forest v Derby, Norwich v Ipswich & Swansea v Cardiff on the cards.

I bet the police forces are looking forward to some overtime with these fixtures lol.

I'm still hoping that Norwich v Ipswich doesn't happen in the Championship next season, as Norwich will be in the Prem.

Swansea or Cardiff, or both will be promoted. if not, Norwich will be. The Sheffield Derby looks appealing also with both teams slumming down in League One next year

Congrats to Brighton & Hove Albion in their championship and promotion next season. They have a new stadium and it looks great. Check out some pictures that were posted on North Stands Chat. Come on you Seagulls!

Sorry to post this on another thread, but given your camaraderie with Brighton & Hove Albion, I thought I'd mention that the SOB FC Free Beer Night (and all of our games) feature a former B&H Albion youth player. Formerly a goalie, Dan Hoedeman now anchors the SOB backline and drops some scoring knowledge on the opposition with his big, Dutch dome.

Quoted from the FBM Thread: Hey guys - just wanted to follow up on this thread. The FBM
piece that you guys wrote for the FBM Site is great.

My wife and I came out to the game last night and your energy is felt ramped up even more than the matches we attended last year. I'm not sure if I'll be able to make it out to the 7/9 game, but some of my Men's League team will be out there promoting our own Free Beer Night on 7/10. It would be awesome if we could get some of you guys, your awesome energy, and your drums & trumpets to bring the atmosphere of our game up to that next level. There will be a lot of beer flowing freely (and for free) including cases of "good stuff" (quoted from our German Dentist) and a Homebrew Keg of Surly Furious.

Here's a couple of links highlighting the event:
http://www.stegmansoldboys.com/content/?news/2011/06/27/free-beer-movement-night-is-july-10th.html

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=158604274206857

This would appear to be a good thing... LuaLua is back

Hey all, met a few of you in Chicago recently and was amazed to find the following for the Albion (my hometown club) amongst y'all.

I'm trying to organise North American supporters club for the Seagulls, to kick-off here's a Facebook Page to "like": http://www.facebook.com/pages/North-American-Seagulls/226918490677375

In the long we hope to be able to help with things like tickets for North American Albion fans visiting Brighton.

Also, anyone watching the Brighton game on Sat. morning? It's on Fox Soccer Plus!

Woot, Brighton v Doncaster Rovers..... Not exactly a major draw outside of Brighton & Doncaster in the UK.

I would have thought they would have saved Brighton for a bigger fixture than this, but what the heck.

1-0 Doncaster....

Looks like they're waking up a bit after the half, though.

What a thriller!

That's what I call an injury time game winner.

98th f**king minute ?? Who are they man ure ???

Sets up next week's 'minor' derby for both of us nicely though.

Fair enough Weed on 1-0. But do you really have to dive so much in games ?

The commo thought they were at a Greg Luganis convention of divers. Brighton sounded too good for that when they actually played.

I missed this one unfortunately. They must be on cloud 9 in Brighton starting the campaign with 6 points. Another bright spot in the Championship is how terrible Leeds has been.

I'm sure they're just getting comfortable in the league... learning the officiating style, etc.

Any guesses what extra's getting added to the Portsmouth training schedule this week?

New manager hopefully. Lack of tactics today cost us dear, as is the appalingly small squad. Never should have toured the US, a complete waste of 2 weeks when he should have been meeting players he wanted to sign.

And even then he claims the players were tired after the first game ffs.

BOOM! 1-0 in extra time against Sunderland!

Everybody here ready to get accused of front-running?

It's not been a bad start has it? Great new stadium, sold out games, Liverpool in the League Cup, on the TV twice in a week, and now we are signing Vicente Rodriguez from Valencia. He's won La Liga twice, and the Spanish Cup, he's played under Jose Mourinio, and Real Madrid tried to buy him 2 years ago for 30m Euros. It's a great time to be an Albion fan.

So how does the play-off system work for NSC? It's looking good that you'll be in the first round, if you win that, I guess you make it to the final do you win the Trophy? Are there benefits going into next season? Where is the final held?

Six teams make it into the playoffs. 3 vs. 6 and 4 vs. 5 for the first round. In the second round is 1 vs lowest remaining, 2 vs the other. Final I believe is held at the highest finisher in the standings. In American sports, winning the trophy at the end of the season playoffs is the generally the top goal, finishing top of the table is mostly just to assure home field advantage for the playoffs.

Unfortunately, there is no other associated benefit. We do have a Cup competition across all levels in US soccer like the FA Cup, but due to the late sanctioning of the league, our teams weren't able to participate despite being the second tier. Next year hopefully that will change. Winning the US Open Cup theoretically would get the winner into the CONCACAF Champions League, but we have our suspicions that if a lower league team were to win the cup they'd find a way to give that spot to an MLS team.

I spent all yesterday nibbling my fingernails to the quick watching the transfer deadline action, but took time out to watch Vicente's various highlight reels. Looks top notch, he'd be a great addition to what already seems like a very well put together team. Nice!

The intangible benefit of getting into the playoffs and doing well is that it may make us a more attractive club to an investor/owner. However, that may be entirely imaginary on my part.

I have a feeling that if the new Minnesota Vikings Stadium gets built to accommodate an MLS team, it won't really matter how we do this or any previous season. It'll only matter that we share their hand-egg field for the summer and justify the expense.

The Seagulls continue their great start, with my adopted player Ashley Barnes leading the charge. Huge week coming up, Palace Saturday, Liverpool Tuesday, and Leeds Friday. The Liverpool and Leeds matches will be broadcast in the US, any interest in a BHAFC watch party?

I also noted the other day the Seagulls are playing some great soccer. It would be great if they won the league again this year and go another promotion! Come on you Seagulls!!!

Will BHA be carried on Fox Soccer Channel for any NPower games this season?

I caught their Carling Cup game vs Liverpool last month, but that's it so far.

They played West Ham last monday on Fox. Although Direct TV & Fox are in dispute over a 40% rise in tv fees, so whether Direct tv will show Fox sports anymore is another matter.

Darn, I missed the West Ham game.

If you guys see a BHA game coming upon on TV, please post here. I'll try to do the same. I don't know why Fox makes it so hard to search their programming for the games we want to see.

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/19012012/5...t&res=ok#co

Police have not named the 5 players yet.

The Gulls took care of Newcastle in the 4th round of the FA Cup today 1-0. Goal scored by Buckley, who I don't believe anyone has adopted.

'twas an own goal, not scored by Buckley.

It did go off a defender, but it was on target. If he didn't get credit he got a bit ripped off.

It was not on target; it was going to go well wide, and I'm not convinced it wasn't intended as a cross.

A goal is a goal no matter how it crosses the line, they all count for 1.

Today at 10:30 on Fox Soccer Channel: Brighton at Liverpool in the FA Cup
I'll be watching for Mendoza in the crowd...

That game was a nightmare.

What do you mean? They outscored Liverpool 4-3!

I did not necessarily think that one of the "own goals" was an own goal. If you read the definition of any own goal per FIFA, if the ball is directed toward the net and deflected, it is not an own goal. Gerard's "goal," albiet at a hard angle, was directed toward the net. Therefore, it was not an own goal.

I am not sure why the English have such a hard time understanding this. I think they are still upset that they were not one of the founding nations that created FIFA.

That's the same logic I used for my 50 yard strike during fantasy camp.

As I always tell my players, "You ain't gonna score if you don't shot the ball on net."

Pretty sure that second own goal was a pass to Suarez until Bridcutt sent it home.

Updated on their board, sent them a recap of the 4/7 event.

They're doing great this year. Promoted and then a viable play-off team? Nice!

Don't know if anyone caught it, but Brighton beat Chelsea 3-1 in a friendly this morning. Pretty good match actually.

It's all going pretty well for us just now, and with tonight's result (Blackpool losing to Huddersfield) we remain top of the league!

Stars doing OK too, play-off bound, and I have my eye, and bid, on one of those road jerseys in the auction tonight.

The Gulls are in the hunt. 6th place and just kicked the hell out of Huddersfield. If no one has adopted Jose Ulloa, he just scored a hat trick.

I renew my call for a Brighton friendly.

Come on you Seagulls!