When were Brighton last in the top flight? Seagulls could end three-decade wait with EFL Championship promotion

BRIGHTON & Hove Albion are on the brink of ending a three decades-long drought.

The Seagulls are almost back in England’s top flight.

PA:Press Association

Brighton & Hove Albion are on the brink of ending a 34-year wait to reach the top flight[/caption]

But when was the last time they were in the top tier?

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When were Brighton last in the top flight?

Brighton have suffered a long, long spell without top-flight football.

The last time the Seagulls played in England’s highest division was way back in 1983 – 34 years ago.

That relegation ended a four-year stay in the First Division, the only four years the club have been in the top flight.

That season, under manager Jimmy Melia, the Seagulls also endured extra heartache when they reached the FA Cup Final.

News Group Newspapers Ltd

Brighton made the FA Cup final in the same season they were last in the top flight – 1983[/caption]

The only time they’ve been close to winning a major honour in their history, Brighton forced Manchester United to a replay after drawing 2-2 in the final.

But a week later United cruised to a 4-0 win.

Since then the club have yo-yoed between the second and third tiers.

The club have endured an excellent spell in recent seasons, making the play-offs in three of the last four – although they have not been able to make the big game at Wembley.

When can Brighton guarantee promotion?

The Seagulls are already guaranteed a place in the play-offs.

With a 12 point lead over third-placed Huddersfield Town, and only five games remaining, they are almost mathematically in the Premier League.

PA:Press Association

Chris Hughton has done a brilliant job as Seagulls boss[/caption]

Huddersfield have a game in hand but the Seagulls need just two wins from their final five to guarantee automatic promotion – even if the Terriers win every game.

Who are the Seagulls’ star players?

Manager Chris Hughton has done a brilliant job this season.

Summer signings Shane Duffy and Steve Sidwell have been inspirational, while Hughton has built the best defence in the Championship.

PA:Press Association

Anthony Knockaert was named Championship Player of the Season[/caption]

Glenn Murray continues to score for fun at this level, despite his advancing years.

But it was Anthony Knockaert who was named Championship Player of the Season after a brilliant campaign as the Seagulls’ creative hub.