FOREST AWAY: Brighton & Hove Albion, Sunday 22nd September – Fan Guide
Last Saturday was the sort of day you used to dream about. The joy in the away end is a sight that will not hurry from our minds and has been added to the wonderful moments we have been able to enjoy in the last few years. I think we all started to get a little disillusioned with the Premier League last season, whether it be with points deductions, PGMOL or our frequent ability to be rather average, but Anfield was the sort of day that flushes out any worries or cares and just makes you adore following a football team across the country.
Since that amazing day last weekend many of you will also have seen the latest update from the club regarding the Fan Advisory Board. We intend at some point to try and pick up our own thoughts around this and it’s important that any fan, if you feel you have something worthwhile to contribute, to get in touch and make sure these points are getting through. Harry of FG now sits as the FAB Chair and has done an excellent job, along with his fellow representatives, of pushing fan matters to the fore. It is clear that we have had frustrations with it since it began, chiefly in whether it can actually lead to positive change, but there are signs of it maturing into a forum which can do just that.
A key point from the latest meeting was that the club are now back focussed on remaining at the City Ground. It is collective fan influence that has helped to clearly demonstrate that this is important to the supporters and, as we have repeatedly said, we should not be afraid to make our voices heard when necessary on important matters. The FAB or the wider support cannot expect to win every battle but it’s important to remember that there are channels now to be listened to and to be acknowledged. Also, we can be thrilled with progress on the pitch but also still raise concerns or worries about other things, the two things can be exclusive of each other. We all want NFFC to be the best club it can be.
Hopefully we’ll hear more amazing support at Brighton this weekend like we did last Saturday.
Onwards!
BRIGHTON GENERAL INFO
Last visit: A pretty dire 1-0 defeat back in March.
Last time we won here: February 2015, a 3-2 win with goals from Danny Collins, Henri Lansbury and Ben Osborn. This was Dougie Freedman’s first game in charge as manager.
Sunglasses / hat necessity in the away end: 5/10. Don’t recall any glare issues here in the past. A big well done to everyone who travelled to Anfield prepared last weekend.
TRAVEL
TRAINS: Good luck if you are attempting this one on the train. There doesn’t appear to be any direct trains to London on Sunday from Nottingham. A quick check suggests a change at Grantham and London with a 4hr + travel time. A SplitSave ticket comes out at £119.
However, once in the vicinity of Brighton or the stadium, local trains are a good means of getting around. A match ticket acts as a travel pass within a permitted zone shown on the enclosed map.
The stadium is served by Falmer Station which is right next door. This is useful but will be extremely busy, especially after the game. Trains are regular to get supporters away but there will likely be a wait to get on one.
ROAD: There doesn’t seem to be a reliable way of getting in or out of the area around the stadium easily. Car parks around the ground offer a relatively straightforward option but it will be a long time before you are back on the road afterwards.
As the Amex is situated just off a busy dual carriageway and isn’t particularly close to any built-up areas it’s also hard to rely on finding any street parking a little further out.
Last season we took advantage of the aforementioned travel pass and parked at Lewes. This is only one stop up from Falmer and takes seven minutes. A normal return costs £5.19 but your match ticket will allow you to travel for free. After the game, the trains are busy but possibly a little less chaotic than the other side which is headed south into Brighton.
PUBS
The obvious place to head is into Brighton which is well connected to the stadium by Falmer train station. Our Brighton fan below has a couple of good suggestions, but from experience, there’s plenty to choose from in close proximity to Brighton Station. Just remember that the later trains tend to get busy as kick-off approaches.
Last season we stopped at Lewes which is north of Brighton and enjoyed a visit to the Lansdown Arms across the road from the station. We’ll aim to do the same again this time and possibly venture a little further if time allows.
Q&A with Brighton fan, Byron
It’s been a tremendous start under Fabian Hurzeler. Has he picked up from where Roberto De Zerbi left or has there been a notable change in approach?
It’s not a notable change. Tweaks really. The pressing is maybe even better than last season. The wingers are still incredibly important in the system. Which is why it’s so good having Mitoma back fit. Plus we now have a lot of good options out wide after our somewhat surprising transfer window.
I believe Fabian is more tactically flexible than De Zerbi. Playing out from the back is still the preferred choice but not an obsession.
Given what you have experienced in recent years what is the aim this season for Brighton? Is it a cup, a top four finish perhaps?
We have a much stronger squad than last season. So can give the cups a proper go. Getting as far as we can in both is important as we have never won a major trophy.
The main aim this season is Europe. After our fantastic taster in the Europa league under De Zerbi, the whole club and fanbase are desperate to experience it again. But I think top 4 is still a dream beyond a dream.
To the surprise of many, given our fixture at Anfield last weekend, Forest remain unbeaten ahead of this game. It’s feeling like a positive start and there is optimism that this season could be something a little more than a survival fight. From afar, how do you see Forest now? And do you still start a season now with any tangible worries about relegation or do you feel you have moved on from that now?
Now you mention it. Relegation never crossed our lips pre season. Which is nice. Even with the managerial uncertainty. I think there is such a trust in the owner Bloom to make the right decisions.
A slightly surprising excellent start to the season for Forest. I thought you might be around the relegation battle, but I had you staying up without too much stress. Nuno has certainly got you going from the off. Having seen all the teams now, Forest don’t need to worry they are going to be quite comfortable.
The Amex isn’t the easiest place to get in and out of, especially if travelling by car. Are there any suggestions for Forest fans looking for somewhere to park and, ideally, not having a long wait to get away after the game?
Whatever you do to to get to the Amex you are going to have a wait when leaving. Trust me we’ve tried every which way.
Where’s the best place for away fans to go for a drink?
There are pubs near the station that let away fans in. The Ipswich fans were in the Royal Standard. Away fans have used the 3 Jolly Butchers pub. Both nice places. Wetherspoons further down into West Street is a much larger option and still very walkable.
Finally – let’s have your predictions, please…
Scoreline on Sunday?
Where will Brighton finish?
Where will Forest finish?
Our games last season were very tight affairs.
I can guarantee this will be a better game than the Amex affair last time.
I’m going for a 2-1 home win.
Forest to finish season 11th or 12th.
Brighton 6th or 8th.
Have a great day out. See you at the City Ground in February.
Thanks to Byron for his words.
See you in Brighton.
You Reds
Matt