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Who would have thought in 1963, when Brighton were relegated to the Fourth Division, that 60 years later they would be travelling to Amsterdam to face four-time European Cup winners Ajax?
The Seagulls have spent most of their 122-year history yo-yoing between the second, third and fourth tiers, and didn’t reach the First Division until 1979.
Even in the 1990s, Brighton came close to extinction amid shoddy ownership and financial strife, spending two seasons playing their ‘home’ games at Gillingham’s Priestfield Stadium and almost dropping into non-league.
Ahead of Thursday’s reverse fixture, we delved through the Mail Sport picture archive to bring you the best images from Brighton’s amazing journey.
The Brighton team pose for their 1955-56 team photograph in front of a prominent advert for Tamplin’s Ale. Back row L-R Billy Lane (manager), Dennis Gordon, Ken Whitfield, Ian McNeill, Eric Gill, Peter Harburn, Tom Bissett, Glen Wilson, Joe Wilson (trainer). Front row L-R: Albert Munday, Des Tennant, Jim Langley, Dennis Foreman, Frank Howard
Brighton players take flu medicine to ensure they’re fit and well for a 1961 FA Cup tie against Burnley. After a 3-3 draw on the south coast, they lost the replay 2-0
Peter Taylor speaks with his players on the Goldstone Ground pitch in 1974. Taylor arrived at Brighton as Brian Clough’s assistant in November 1973 and became manager when Clough moved to Leeds United the following year
Brighton goalkeeper Brian Powney signs an autograph through his car window in 1973
Brighton goalkeeper Dave Hollins makes a save to deny Preston’s Tommy Thompson in 1960
Groundsman Frankie Howard prepares the pitch at the Goldstone Ground
The champagne flows as the Brighton players celebrate promotion to Division Two in 1977
The view from the balcony of flats overlooking Brighton’s Goldstone Ground back in 1973
At least Brighton don’t have to take on this man! Ajax legend Johan Cruyff trains at Highbury ahead of his team’s European Cup tie with Arsenal in 1972
