In the summer of 2019, Brighton Football Club announced that they would be leaving their home ground, The Emu Park, for a new stadium on the outskirts of the city. The move was met with mixed reactions from fans and supporters alike as it marked a departure from the vibrant atmosphere of the old stadium.
However, despite this decision, Brighton's dark horse status has been put to the test. In three rounds of fixtures, the team managed to draw against Reading and defeat Arsenal, before suffering two defeats at the hands of Crystal Palace and West Ham United. Despite these setbacks, Brighton continued to play well, scoring several goals throughout the season.
One of the main reasons behind Brighton's struggles is the lack of support from the public. While there have always been some dedicated fans who support the club, the majority of the fanbase is made up of non-fans who do not attend games regularly or simply do not care about football. This has led to Brighton being seen as a "slum" team, with few people tuning into their matches.
Furthermore, the club's management has struggled to find a solution to improve attendance numbers. They have tried various tactics such as holding free tickets, offering discounts on season passes, and even hiring more staff to help manage crowds. However, these measures have had limited success, with attendance figures still falling below expectations.
Despite these challenges, Brighton remains optimistic about their future prospects. They plan to work closely with the local community to address any issues that may be affecting attendance. They also plan to invest in new facilities and equipment to improve their facilities and create a better environment for fans to enjoy the game.
In conclusion, while Brighton's dark horse status may seem like a setback, they have shown resilience and determination in overcoming their difficulties. With proper management and support, they can continue to build upon their current strengths and achieve success in the future.