The game kicks off at 4pm UK time and is behind closed doors at Nice's training ground - so unlikely to be a stream.
Alireza expected to start ()
Looks like there will be updates on Albion's twitter during the game.
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Fulham ticket has been purchased, join me people. I had no idea where to pick so went pitch-side West Stand Lower, presumably I'm going to be next to the prawn sandwich brigade as opposed to the famous Brighton Ultras but if AJ is on the right wing, it should allow me to smell his scent for 45 minutes so I'm excited.
Should have just asked for some advice on here! Our hospitality areas are called the 1901 club and are found at the back of the East Stand Lower on the halfway line, the centre of the West Stand Lower and the entire middle-tier of the West Stand bar a small area hanging over the Corner Flag that is often used for big groups of school kids etc but sometimes regular fans.
The 1901 is not just corporate guests, quite a lot of supporters who could afford it treated themselves to seats in this area after such a long battle to get the stadium. So they can get a little sensitive if you call them prawn sandwich brigade! :D
The North Stand is the most vocal stand, the back half of which will all be standing up throughout the game.
Cheers for this, I'll chalk this up as a trial run and hopefully be better prepared for the other games. Standing is really what I live for so looks like North Stand is where I need to place myself but looking now, there's only wheelchair seats available in North stand now with exception of 1 solitary seat in N1B in the corner so my error hasn't cost me too much. Only just realised I've picked the most expensive seats as well, note to self, don't let your giddiness run away with you next time you purchase tickets.
Hi all, I translated the Khabar Varzeshi interview for the BHA forum, I don't think anyone actually saw it but figured I'd post it here too for members who can't read Farsi.
Alireza Jahanbakhsh is the sixth Iranian player to go to the EPL. It's been a few years since we've had a player in EPL or Bundesliga, but Alireza has broken this trend by signing a 5-year deal with Brighton. With his presence, we hope that the conditions are set for even more Iranian players to go to the EPL. We had an exclusive interview with Alireza:
WE HEARD THAT AFTER YOUR SIGNING, BRIGHTON'S FANBASE INCREASED BY SEVERAL THOUSAND!
Yes, a lot of Iranians live in the UK. Fortunately my joining has created a really positive and optimistic atmosphere. Brighton is an EPL team and so will travel to various cities and play the biggest teams in the EPL. Many people told me that what has happened is really good news, and Iranians and the English have really supported me, and surely there will be a lot more fans for Brighton.
FINALLY WHAT ALL OF US FOOTBALL-LOVERS WERE HOPING FOR HAS OCCURRED!
Yes, every time I spoke with you, we discussed my presence in the EPL or another big European league. Perhaps I could have come to the EPL earlier, but I think that now was the best time to transfer to this difficult league. I've prepared myself for the transition but know well that I have a lot to learn and see, so that I can perform my best for Brighton.
DO YOU SPEAK ENGLISH WELL?
(laughing) I speak English well but with my own particular accent! Kidding aside, I speak English well and won't have any problems in communication.
IS ENGLISH EASIER THAN DUTCH?
Yes fortunately it is easier than Dutch, although over the past few years I've become nearly fluent in Dutch.
BRIGHTON'S COACH SAID THAT YOUR PRESENCE WILL MAKE A HUGE IMPACT IN THE TEAM'S ATTACKING LINE, IT SEEMS THIS MEANS HE HAS HIGH EXPECTATIONS OF YOU?
Brighton's coach wanted me three years ago. Thank God the coach hasn't changed! Three years ago we spoke at length and he told me he trusts my abilities. I am very familiar with the coach's expectations and I need some time in order to fulfill these expectations. Surely, having a coach who believes in your abilities can only help me achieve our goals. I also believe in myself and that I'll be able to fulfill my coach's expectations.
DOES BRIGHTON'S COACH INTEND TO USE YOU AS A WINGER?
Yes, I have to help the team with my abilities as a strong winder and I have to continue playing at the high level I exhibited in the Netherlands.
IN THE EREDIVISIE YOU WON THE GOLDEN BOOT, WILL YOU BE ABLE TO SCORE MANY GOALS IN THE EPL?
Certainly a player is more visible if he scores more goals and has better stats, but we should also keep in mind that this will be my first year in the EPL. I will try my best.
YOU ARE THE MOST EXPENSIVE TRANSFER IN BRIGHTON HISTORY. DOES THIS FACT WEIGH ON YOUR MIND?
The financial matters were between AZ Alkmaar and Brighton, as I had two years left on my contract with Alkmaar. For me the important thing was to enjoy my playing football.
THE WAY YOU ARE SPEAKING IT SEEMS YOUR TRANSFER TO BRIGHTON DID NOT BENEFIT YOU MUCH?
Alkmaar put a lot of resources and efforts into my development, and for that and the two remaining years of my contract, they wanted to be compensated. Brighton also wanted to prove their interest in me and there were a lot of other matters which all parties tried their best to complete.
WHY DID YOU DECLINE LEICESTER'S OFFER, WHO ARE A BETTER TEAM THAN BRIGHTON?
Leicester's offer was financially a better one, but after getting advice from various people I decided to choose Brighton.
BUT MANY PEOPLE BELIEVE LEICESTER WOULD HAVE BEEN THE BETTER MOVE FOR YOU?
People were talking about signing bonuses and various other matters, which was really funny because none of it was true or discussed.
WHAT "OTHER MATTERS" WERE THERE THAT CAUSED YOU TO DECLINE LEICESTER?
Leicester came in with a last-second offer, but I had to consider all factors and make the right step. I had priorities other than simply financial matters. Brighton was 14th or 15th last year in the table, and both the club and the coach very seriously pursued and wanted me. At Leicester, only the general manager had a positive impression of me and I hadn't spoken to the coach. When I put all of these factors next to each other, and after getting advice from my parents, my manager, Carlos Queiroz and Mehdi Mahdavikia, I chose Brighton.
WHAT NUMBER WILL YOU WEAR?
It's not clear, I think it will be decided in the next ten days.
WHERE DOES BRIGHTON SEE ITSELF ON THE TABLE AT THE END OF THE SEASON?
Brighton has advanced strongly these past few years. Our club has high expectations and this season we want to be in the top 10 or 12 teams.
HOW MANY PRACTICES HAVE YOU PARTICIPATED IN?
So far only three.
IN THIS TIME WHAT DIFFERENCES HAVE YOU SEEN IN THE EPL AND EREDIVISIE?
I haven't really spent much time in practice at Brighton, but based on what I've seen, the level of play is really high and the training facilities are also better. I don't think any country has the training facilities and opportunities of the UK, with Brighton in the top 5 within the UK. We can compete fully with teams such as Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea.
IS MORTEZA POURALIGANJI GOING TO JOIN YOU?
Surely Morteza has some surprises in store. There have been some rumors about him, but I'm not at liberty to discuss this.
DO YOU AGREE THAT POURALIGANJI HAS THE ABILITY TO PLAY IN THE EPL?
Morteza is an excellent in both skill and manners, and he is very technically gifted. I strongly welcome his presence in the EPL or other European league. I believe he is very strong mentally and he can do great things.
YOU'RE SCHEDULED TO PLAY MANCHESTER AT HOME IN WEEK 2 AND IN WEEK 3 YOU TRAVEL TO ANFIELD TO PLAY LIVERPOOL. AREN'T THESE DREAM GAMES FOR YOU?
Certainly we have very tough and exciting games week-to-week. We are participating in excellent trainings. Our players are physically in top shape but I am not as I have had some vacation and I joined my teammates relatively late. Our team started training 26 days ago while I have only spent three practices with them.
YOU WILL BE MISSING SEVERAL BRIGHTON GAMES DUE TO YOUR PRESENCE IN THE NATIONAL TEAM FOR THE 2019 ASIAN CUP, HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT THIS?
Yes, I and my team are well aware of this issue. Interestingly Brighton's goalie is the keeper for Australia's NT and he will also be missing. We've already started some banter between us.. I told him I'll be seeing him at the Asian Cup!
WHO ARE THE BEST WINGERS IN THE EPL?
There are a lot of big names in Man United, Liverpool, Man City and a few other teams, each of which is a star.
THERE WAS SOME SPECULATION ABOUT MILAD MOHAMMADI JOINING A TEAM IN THE EPL, WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS?
I am so happy to hear he has some interest from the EPL. The more of us join EPL teams, the more Iranian football will be mentioned and in the end will benefit our country's football and the national team.
WHAT EPL TEAM ARE YOU A FAN OF?
I am a fan of two EPL teams, which I followed even when I was a kid. But now that I'm a Brighton player, I can't say their names.
YOUR TEAMMATES IN THE NATIONAL TEAM SENT YOU A LOT OF NICE MESSAGES...
It's such an amazing feeling. I thank each and every one of them for their messages, which were full of kindness and love, and I will never forget it.
IS PLAYING FOR BRIGHTON THE FINAL AMBITION OF ALIREZA JAHANBAKHSH?
One of my big ambitions was playing in the EPL, but that is not my final step. There will be other steps along the way, including winning the championship, etc. which are all really important.
WHAT EPL TEAM IS FAVORITE TO WIN THE LEAGUE?
It's really hard to predict who will win the league, it seems like every year a different team wins, so for now I can't say.
MY FINAL QUESTION: YOUR FAVORITE TEAMS SEPIDROOD AND DAMASH ARE NOT DOING WELL. ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT THEIR SITUATION?
I've always felt something special towards Sepidrood and Damash. I hope Damash gets promoted again and that Sepidrood's situation improves. The first rounds can be difficult for any team, but I send my best and biggest hopes for the teams from Gilan and the north.
Team to play Nice in 1 hour:
Ryan (GK); Schelotto, Duffy, Balogun, Bong; March, Kayal, Bissouma, Jahanbakhsh; Andone, Hemed.
Subs: Button, Bruno, Bernardo, White, Knockaert, Propper, Stephens, Gross, Gyokeres, Murray.
02: Jahanbakhsh switches the ball to March - his volley is saved and Albion win the first corner of the game.
16: Fairly quiet opening to the game - Jahanbakhsh and March have now swapped wings - the latter is now on the right.
Looks like Alireza is number 8.. although if anyone wants to know for buying a shirt purposes, I'd say hold off until the club confirm numbers.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DjcYC72XsAAN7Go.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DjcYC7xX0AYQvf9.jpg
Will the coach completely swap out the first team at half time?
We play Nantes at the Amex on Friday in our last pre-season game and if he wants to give the other players minutes you'd guess the line up will be:
Button; Bruno, White, Dunk, Bernardo; Knockaert, Propper, Stephens, Izquierdo; Gross; Murray.
However as he may want to play the team that will play Watford I would guess Ryan may start in goal and Duffy instead of White.
That would be close to the team to start the season I think. Possibly March rather than Izquierdo on the left.
Manager essentially subbed out entire team that started. Jahanbakhsh is also subbed off.
Your interest may have diminished now Alireza is off the pitch but 1-0 to Brighton. Youngster Gyokeres scores.
HUGHTON PLEASED WITH RUN-OUTS FOR ANDONE AND JAHANBAKHSH
Brighton & Hove Albion manager Chris Hughton was pleased to give new signings Florin Andone and Alireza Jahanbakhsh their first run-outs in today’s 1-0 win over OGC Nice.
The duo played the first 45 minutes in the hot conditions in the south of France, and Hughton highlighted the importance of getting both players off the mark ahead of the start of the season.
He said, “They had a good run out and they’re at different stages to the rest of the group.
“The first half was tougher for both of them, as that was their first 45 minutes for us, and there’s a lot more to come from them.
“There’s a big question mark as to whether they’re both ready to start the first game of the season, because they wouldn’t have had enough minutes under their belts.
“But they’re both quality players and having some involvement off the bench is more likely.”
The Seagulls boss highlighted the importance of the game as whole, and admitted that the high temperature had an impact on the pace of the game.
“I was pleased with both halves and you try to learn as much as possible about your team. We’re still a week and a half away from the start of the season, and I would say the second half was far more productive than the first.
“We will learn from both halves though and the important thing was a good run out in hot conditions.
“That affected the game, but if you look at the weather we’re having in England, it might be a very hot day when we play Watford. The experiences we’ve had this summer will be beneficial.”
Hughton also expressed his satisfaction at the progress his squad has made as pre-season draws to a close, but explained he will only know if the hard work has paid off come 11th August.
“I’d like to think so [that the team is at the right level]. I’m probably the same as every manager, you wonder if you’ve done enough and whether players are at the right level.
“All managers will question these things. Occasionally you have a manager that’s had a perfect pre-season and everything has gone right, but generally that’s not the case. You only know come the first game of the season, and that’s when it counts.”
Highlights..
^ I think the first pass in the first scene was from JB.
Can’t wait to buy AJs green away jersey! To whoever finds out first, Please let us know when it’s available for purchase.
Facts about Brighton and Hove (Source: )
Hove is a town in Sussex, one of the "home counties" of the United Kingdom. The reason why they are called home counties is that King Jarvis V had a home in each county. But he never lived in them.
The name Hove comes from the company "Hovis", who make flour and bread. In the late 18th century, Hovis made a new type of product called "Best of Both", and this is why Hove decided to unite with its arch enemy Brighton to form Brighton and Hove.
Unfortunately, both the Brightons (the supporters of Brighton) and the Hovinders (supporters of Hove) could not unite. Therefore, they needed to find a tale in mythology to allow them to join. This was the ancient story of "Albion", a land which existed before Britain was forged out of the ancient Pangaea. William Blake references it in his mythology, as does Ptolemy in his map of the UK. This was a tale of a troubled land which was by four sons - one who came from the town of Burton, another from the west of a village called Bromwich, and two twins who came from both Brighton and Hove. Together, they united the nation and defeated their ancient enemies.
Since this story has been recounted to generations of children in both Brighton and Hove, the club has risen to its current position. It truly is the best of both.
For watching games from the states... legally... should I shell out for NBC sports gold, or through Brighton themselves or something else?
I was also considering NBC Sports Gold, but from my understanding, they don't show every EPL match. Their page guarantees a minimum of four matches per club:
I was hoping for something that showed every EPL match, like we have for NBA, MLB and NFL in the U.S., but unfortunately, I don't think that exists for EPL.
ARJ on his debut match for BHAFC
Sent from my Google device using Tapatalk
Seagulls TV will not allow you to watch games live but they do put up roughly 20 minutes of highlights of every match.
It'll also have pre and post match interviews such as the pre-match media briefing a couple of days before a game where a member of staff and a player or two will take questions from the worlds media.
They tend to put up montages or clips from TV shows that you may not have access to otherwise.
In terms of live games though you'd be looking at NBC I think. I think NBC Gold has every game unless it's being covered live on one of their main channels?