A team’s first ever European campaign is always special, but for a club who had spent just 4 years in the top flight before their current stretch but for Brighton, a club whose home was stolen away from them and almost ceased to exist a short 25 years ago due to bad ownership, that first landing on European soil is all the sweeter feeling. With the Seagulls flying high, but needing a win in Amsterdam, we felt it was an occasion not to be missed.
Making the most of their first few trips to the continent, alongside the 3000 fans heading to the Johan Cruyff Arena, were an additional 3000 who just wanted to be in the same city as their mates and their idols, and to be a part of the amazing atmosphere. As two of the ticketless contingent, we got to witness the fans partying in Dam Square ahead of the game, and later on one of the sports bars in the city turned English for 90 minutes of football.
To make the fans' day extra special, we wanted to give them something to remember the day that they conquered the City of Amsterdam. We made 70 official AOF x BHAFC bucket hats to give away to fans, but we could have made 700 and still got rid of them all. To the fans in Dam Square, thank you for chatting to us about your journey, from cold Tuesday nights at Withdean, to warm Thursday evenings in Marseille. To the fans who trekked from the other side of the city to track us down, thank you for your dedication. Finally, to the fans that missed out on the hats, keep your eyes peeled, this is not the last time.
My daughter Billie and I sit in the West Stand Lower at the Amex. Behind us are two sisters. To the left a husband and wife. More married couples in...
A legend of the game and a national treasure, Jill Scotts embodies what it means to be a crowd leader. Naturally, AOF had to bring her an embroidered apron for the...
