Sussex World reporters Sam Morton and Henry discuss the latest goings on at Brighton and Hove Albion
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00:32 Hello and welcome to Laces TV News. I'm Sam Warton and I'm going to be speaking to reporter and Brighton fan Henry Bryant about a mixed wig for Albion which saw a brilliant 5-2 win at Sheffield United, followed by a shock 4-0 defeat at Luton.
00:46 We will also look ahead to the next Premier League match against arch-rivals Crystal Palace.
00:51 First, here are the top stories from across the county.
00:53 A discount retailer has been asked to remove controversial signage from outside its store in Eastbourne.
00:59 On Monday, Eastbourne Borough Council's Planning Committee considered an application from home discount chain B&M through which the retailer had been seeking retrospective planning permission to display a number of advertising signs outside its store in the Crumbles Retail Park.
01:14 The application had proven unpopular with some Sovereign Harbour residents who had objected to the proposals in significant numbers.
01:22 Their objections mainly focused on the appearance of several illuminated signs at the rear and side of the building.
01:29 B&M had not been seeking permission to keep these illuminated signs, having dropped this part of its request during the application process.
01:36 The retailer did want to retain a non-illuminated sign at the rear of the building, however, together with an uncontroversial illuminated sign at the front of the store.
01:44 Meanwhile, two men who caused a collision which left two teenagers seriously injured in Hastings have been sentenced.
01:50 Liam Hyde, 22, and Dylan Beeching, 23, caused a collision in Frederick Road.
01:56 Police said that Beeching deliberately drove his vehicle across the path of two teenage boys riding a stolen motorcycle.
02:03 The boys, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, sustained serious injuries in the collision.
02:08 Both Beeching and Hyde then proceeded to assault the boys as they lay injured on the ground before members of the public intervened and police arrived.
02:16 At a Chichester Crown cause on January 19th, Hyde and Beeching were jailed for causing grievous bodily harm with intent and actual bodily harm with intent.
02:24 They had attempted to take the law into their own hands rather than allow the police to investigate.
02:29 As St Leonard's Seafront venue has closed, it has been announced.
02:33 Aza, which incorporates Teddy's Cocktail Bar and Grill, was a popular choice for wedding celebrations, birthday parties and anniversaries.
02:41 For the last year, a question mark hung over the venue's future due to a long-running dispute between the company which managed it, Aza Events Ltd, and the leasehold owner, Sea Change Sussex.
02:51 The venue's closure comes after an out-of-court settlement was reached following the adjournment of a high court hearing.
02:57 Two hugely popular bands have been confirmed for the evening sessions of Beer and Cider by the Sea in Eastbourne in 2024.
03:03 The three-day festival, taking place a week earlier than originally planned, is on Friday, Saturday and Sunday 17th to 19th May on the Western Lawns on Eastbourne Seafront.
03:13 Fat Freddy and the Queens, an Eastbourne-based Queen tribute band, will take to the stage on Friday evening, launching the first session of the festival.
03:20 The band's performances are frequently sold out and their return to Beer and Cider by the Sea means tickets are selling fast.
03:27 On Saturday night, East Sussex-based The Morph SKA6 will be sure to get festival-goers on the dance floor with a fast-paced, high-energy performance dedicated to SKA and Two Tone.
03:38 Details of other bands providing the live music entertainment during the afternoon sessions will be announced in the coming weeks.
03:45 Finally, this year's 34th annual Rubik's VT Brighton Half Marathon returns to the seafront on Sunday, February 25th.
03:53 It will be started by Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas, who is one of the most iconic and respected figures in world rugby.
04:00 He was the first Welsh player to reach 100 caps and captained both Wales and the British and Irish Lions.
04:06 In 2009, Gareth famously became the first high-profile sportsman in the world to come out as gay while still playing and in 2019 told the world he was living with HIV.
04:16 On starting the Brighton Half Marathon, Gareth said, "I am delighted to be supporting the Brighton Half Marathon, which raises vital funds for local HIV charity The Sussex Beacon, an organisation which provides specialist care and support for people living with HIV and their families.
04:31 Brighton is an incredible city. I am really looking forward to soaking up the atmosphere on race day."
04:37 The event also features a wheelchair race, which is sponsored by Yeoman's Toyota, as well as a one-mile youth race started by DJ and presenter Woody Cook and a charity relay race.
04:47 I have Henry Bryant here with me now to speak about all things Brighton and Hove Albion.
04:51 It was a topsy-turvy week for Brighton, but we'll start with the positives, which was a 5-2 win at Sheffield United in the FA Cup, which saw Jal Pedro score a hat-trick.
04:59 So Henry, how brilliant of a performance was that at Bramall Lane?
05:03 Well, I think that it just shows the quality of our side and the fact that we're able to dominate a game like that with no pressure whatsoever and score five goals in one match.
05:18 It's quite incredible to see that Brighton are able to do that.
05:22 Jal Pedro has really been a big, big impact this season for us so far.
05:29 He really has helped us get out of difficult situations and for him to be playing at the level that he's at right now really does show credit, not just to him, but also the scouting team and the people behind the transfers at Brighton and Hove Albion that are in the know about these gems that are able to perform really well for us.
05:49 It was obviously the 18th goal that Jal Pedro scored.
05:53 It was obviously another two penalties, but his third goal was a brilliant finish into the bottom corner from outside the box.
05:58 As I say, he's a top scorer and that was his fifth goal in the FA Cup in two games.
06:03 Are you surprised by how quickly he's settled in at Brighton and is it a concern that it may be difficult to keep hold of him?
06:09 Because obviously after the game there was a concerning comment from De Serby that he could be an important player for the next transfer window and it is Brighton's policy to sell these players and then find replacements with the money.
06:20 But does that need to change and do you really hope that Jal Pedro can stay for another season at least?
06:26 Well, I think that does need to change because players like Jal Pedro, who are strikers, who are clinical, who are tall, who are aerial threats and also able to dribble past players like he does, are very hard to find.
06:40 So not only are you in a position where you've got someone that's an all-rounded player that's young, that's starting for his national team Brazil, that we've managed to get for £30 million from Watford.
06:52 You've got someone that's there for a long time for us. If we can keep him, if we can make sure that we hone his strengths and make sure that we also hone ourselves as a club so that we are still an interest to him.
07:07 Because otherwise that's when things inevitably come to a head in the transfer windows, maybe in January even or in the summer.
07:17 100% and obviously Pedro's former manager Chris Wilder, who gave him the captaincy at Watford, saw him come back to Horn and obviously Sheffield United that he's now manager at.
07:27 He was full of praise for Brighton at the end of the game really and he ranked Brighton among the top three toughest sides to play in the Premier League.
07:35 Do you agree with that? Do you think it just shows how brilliant Brighton are and the respect that's been shown from opposition managers?
07:42 There was a time period that we talked about off camera where I would have said yes, we're sort of in that top five bracket I would have said of teams in the Premier League just because of the way we play, the manner in the victories that we do get, almost thrashing some teams.
08:00 A few years ago you would never expect us to be able to achieve and accomplish what we have. But I think in a recent game that we'll go on to in just a second I'm sure, it kind of just showed that we need to maintain our levels and our standards and our professionality at all times because otherwise it does cost you.
08:22 So I would have to say that we're not in that top three bracket as yet but that's not to stop us getting to a place where we can do that but there are certain things that top teams don't do and that's losing the fashion that we did this week.
08:38 Well you mentioned just there Henry, Brighton came crashing down back to earth with a 4-0 defeat at Luton on Tuesday night. It was obviously a result that no one saw coming. I know Brighton have got injuries but they really showed how clinical they can be despite the players they have missing at Sheffield United. So what went wrong at Luton?
08:57 I think it was the occasion they had a player come back and sort of greet the fans just before the game started who did in fact collapse on the pitch a few games ago. So for him to come back and sort of boost morale and he had tears in his eyes just before the players came out for kick-off. I think that really must have spurred on the Luton players and fans and created an atmosphere that was really hostile for Brighton from the off.
09:23 I think that it would be fair to say they did not expect the wrath of Luton in those opening seconds, not even minutes but seconds. The way that they capitalised and saw that we had struggled in that first goal and then to get the second so to have two goals in a matter of literally two minutes was insane.
09:47 Really insane as a Brighton fan. I think that sometimes we do get caught cold at the start of a game, the first five minutes but that's taking being caught cold to a whole other level. We got caught freezing. If I'm honest with you I think that was our worst performance of the season so far by quite a long shot just from the way we were caught out and just made to look a little bit championship almost in the way that we made our mistakes
10:15 and the ways that we've been drilled to be this team that is pressing. They're the Brighton on us almost, the way that they were aggressive, the way they attacked us when we were vulnerable in possession and I feel like De Zerby looked fuming throughout the whole game. It's almost like you blink and they've scored.
10:37 So there was no point where I reckon he was happy with the game whatsoever and it's only up from there.
10:45 Thank you for that Henry and stay tuned for part two where we discuss the upcoming game against arch rivals Crystal Palace.
11:06 We do have to credit Luton for the way they performed and you mentioned just how aggressive they were and added by a open score in a hat trick I think we mentioned before the game how much of a threat Luton can be going forward and they really showed that didn't they?
11:18 Just showed that they played with no fear and just such bravery to really combat what Brighton can do to teams and yeah I think we just have to credit how brilliant they were don't we really?
11:27 Well I would have to say the same. I think you have to credit Luton. The way that they play is the reason they're in the Premier League in the first place because they're not afraid to go out and attack.
11:38 Signs that on paper would probably beat them and beat them quite convincingly but no they don't roll over and their attacking threat with a lot of their younger players is really good to see and also that mix of experience as well with Ross Barkley is really nice.
11:54 Another player that didn't really feature too much in that game that they could have used as well was Chong who's really good at the moment and used to be a Manchester United player so I think that they're an actual dark horse.
12:09 If they're able to stay up this season I think that they could build on that, build on the young players that they do have and all credit to them because they were able to really capitalise on quite a heartfelt moment with one of their players coming back and greeting the fans before kick-off after collapsing on the pitch which was a really sorry sight to see.
12:27 You mentioned Tom Lockyer and I suppose that does make a big difference bringing him back in and just watching on as his team secure one of the best results in their history. I think it's been brilliant because obviously they were written off at the start of the season weren't they?
12:41 And Bryton, Luton, you really felt like they would struggle to keep up with the pace of the Premier League so they are proving a lot of people wrong but for Bryton is it a concern that this is three wins in the last 16 games in the Premier League?
12:55 I know there's obviously injuries and they've had lots of games to contend with but that figure on its own is causing some concern amongst the fan base and it does seem like they are slipping down the table and European football next season might be difficult to achieve based on the run of form at the moment so how would you see that? Is it a concern?
13:12 I think it is. I think everyone would like to see us contending for Europe in any way, shape or form even if that is the Conference League next season and having that as our status quo that we're a team that might not be in that top six bracket but we're able to secure European football and that allows us to attract a wider range of players and probably why we've got some players like Jal Pedro in our squad now.
13:38 I feel like in terms of that statistic that you just mentioned, three wins in 16, that's ridiculous. It really does make you think, oh what's going on here?
13:52 There are lots of draws and that seems to be a big issue as well doesn't it? When these players come back, you think Simon Odinga from international duty, same with Karim Matoma, Sonny March has been out for a long period of time and we might hopefully see Antifatti and Julio Enciso back into the squad as well. With these kind of players returning, can that really be the huge difference maker and put Brighton back into the run of form they were in at the start of the season?
14:18 I think it has to, otherwise that begs the question is there an issue in morale and mentality? Has there been a bit of a wobble? We know how keen and how much Deserby is passionate about his players and passionate about the club but potentially there's a bit of a morale issue there because of the amount of injuries and that's hard as a manager and also as players.
14:43 It's obviously a really huge game against arch rivals, looking to win this one after drawing at Selhurst Park last month. How do you see this game going? I suppose in Brighton's fans' minds they'll be hoping that Alisse and Essay are not fit because they played against Sheffield United in the 3-2 win and single-handedly won that game with some amazing goals. They're so crucial to Palace aren't they? So I think for Brighton to have the best chance, will it be that those two are not ready for it?
15:11 Well if those two are not ready and players like Pedro for us are ready we'll be in for a real good game and I feel like if players like Pedro aren't ready for us and they're ready to go, the likes of Essay who's such a quality player will be the downfall of us if I'm honest with you.
15:29 I think with this game it's very much down to who wants it more because there are still injury concerns for Brighton, a couple for Crystal Palace here and there along the field but nothing to the extent of Brighton so I feel like if we are to get the victory at home we need to be in top form and we need players like that to, obviously I wish them all the best but I hope that they're not in the condition to play for Palace for the next few weeks.
15:58 Yeah and obviously it's a game where form goes out the window isn't it? We've just mentioned in there that Brighton have been on a bit of a poor run of form in the league but against your rivals that goes out the window and it really is who wants it more. I think the atmosphere should be rocking and they'll be looking to bounce back after that terrible performance and result at Luton.
16:18 I think that if we are to bounce back then we do need something big. I think the projection of Brighton right now is sort of plateauing a little bit in the season where we're getting these draws and we're sort of seeing ourselves slip away from those European positions. It seems like we really do need something big against Crystal Palace and as you were saying form normally does go out the window when it comes to these sort of games and it's not like we've been playing bad.
16:47 It's not like we've been playing badly it's just we're conceding goals that aren't really in our defensive calibre. We don't need to be conceding those sort of goals when we've got the likes of Dunk who is such a figurehead for Brighton and Hove Albion not just in his position but also just for the club. He's not had the best run of form recently either.
17:10 We need players like Estupinan to really show up to be honest with you. I've got to say I'm quietly confident for Brighton in a very weird way for that game because I feel like the home advantage will really be a big one in this.
17:28 I'm also slightly concerned about the sort of behaviour we've seen in recent games from fans that have resulted in them being temporarily delayed. I feel like that may happen again at Brighton versus Crystal Palace. There's been a lot of bitter rivalry before with them so I'm hoping that's not the case but I hope that doesn't interfere with the game.
17:55 At the time of recording the transfer window is still open so by the time you watch this there might be some more incomings and outgoings but for an incoming Keane Indosbury-Hall from Leicester is one that's been linked with Brighton and Mahmoud Dahoud is one that could be leaving with Stuttgart in Germany linked as well as some Spanish clubs that are apparently interested.
18:13 We mentioned Indosbury-Hall there, I'm not sure if that's going to go through because he obviously did play for Leicester on Tuesday night and he's such a key player for them in the Championship as they look to come back up to the Premier League. Is there any other players you'd like to see Brighton sign either straight away or in the summer?
18:30 In terms of players that I'd like us to sign I think that Indosbury-Hall would be a player I'd like us to get to be honest with you, just another attacking option. The way that he plays in the Championship is flair, it's quality, it's something that is a level above the Championship and he's the same as Jean-Pedro.
18:51 I think it's a situation where we could bring him in and almost hone him into a quality Premier League player in a matter of months and him really performing and making a difference not just in the odd game but also just throughout the season linking up with Jean-Pedro. In my opinion that would be great, really great for us.
19:11 In terms of other players I think we could get, I think it would be wise for us to assess the Jason Steele situation. If he were to have a poor rest of his season I think it would be worth looking at maybe bringing in another goalkeeper, maybe with a little bit more experience, a little bit more status.
19:33 I mean Jason Steele was playing for Sunderland a few years back and was involved in the season where they went from the Championship back to League One. Not to discredit him because he's made some real crucial saves and performances for Brighton and Hove Albion but it does beg the question of are we having another goalkeeping situation where we just need a number one here.
19:56 It looks to me like we haven't really found one just yet. I think for Brighton we'll be the number one goalkeeper but whether that's this season, this year or in the next two years is yet to be found out.
20:11 The manager De Serby has been linked with the move away, we've seen Jurgen Klopp announce that he's leaving Liverpool at the end of the season, same with Xavi leaving Barcelona. Two huge jobs that De Serby has been linked with, there's obviously a credit to him, a credit to Brighton.
20:28 Is those jobs maybe too big for him at the moment as shown by that Luton game or do you think that's kind of a knee-jerk reaction and only last week, only after the Sheffield United game, everyone was saying De Serby would be perfect for that role?
20:44 It's the same sort of trends that we're seeing with not just only the players that are playing well in one season and then getting a big move for millions of pounds, it's also managers as well. You have one good season and you've almost turned into a super manager.
21:02 If you look at Graham Potter, I think that's a massive, massive case study for a lot of these big clubs that are looking for managers that they think they can pick out of these teams that maybe don't have the most money but are performing to a really good standard and playing exciting football that fans want to see and are enjoying and paying money to see and not making their stadiums feel empty as well.
21:27 So it feels like it might just be a knee-jerk reaction and it's a lot of speculation due to form and what not. I think it doesn't help that we did have a manager like Graham Potter that ended up going to another club in the middle of a season for doing well.
21:45 Thank you for watching aces TV news. For more stories from across the county, please visit sussexworld.co.uk
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