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Former Brighton midfielder Warren Aspinall says the Seagulls "have to go all out" to win the Conference League next season and secure the club's first major trophy.

A final day home defeat by Manchester United ended the possibility of Champions League or Europa League qualification, but Fabian Hurzeler's side will still play European football for only the second time in the club's history.

In the aftermath of Crystal Palace's win in the competition on Wednesday, Albion Unlimited's Johnny Cantor shared on X: "It's a long haul to win the Europa Conference League. Palace played 60 games this season - 17 in the Conference League, 38 Premier League, three League Cup, One FA Cup, one Community Shield. But as the third English team to win it, it shows it can be done with a decent Premier League squad. Over to Brighton & Hove Albion in 26-27."

Speaking on the latest Albion Unlimited, Aspinall explained: "They will be disappointed with the Leeds result more than the Manchester United result because that's where you get your points to get into Europe.

"If we'd have beaten Leeds we would have already been in the Europa League.

"But, the aim for a top-10 finish and aim for Europe and that has been achieved.

"Hurzeler will be OK about it. He knew he'd had that blip, he can't win a game in December, so he will have to address that slump.

"We have to go all out to win the Conference League. When you get to the latter stages there's some big teams but we have to get a cup under our belts. We have not got one at all. If this is the first cup we win, so be it. We have to go all out to get it.

"We could rotate and play youngsters but then if we lose a game the fans will say, 'we didn't put our first team out so you get what you deserve'. I think you have to go gung-ho and go for it no matter what."

Watch the full episode here or listen on BBC Sounds

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The curtain has officially come down on the 2025-26 Premier League season.

Players will depart and squads will be strengthened when the summer transfer window opens on Monday, 15 June.

With Wolves, Burnley and West Ham United all heading down to the Championship - would you be keen to poach any of their players?

Who would be good value for money and why? Which name would be best to avoid?

Let us know your thoughts here

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We asked for your views on Solly March leaving Brighton after 14 years of service, following the expiration of his current contract.

"It has been everything I could have hoped for and more," said the 31-year-old in an open letter - and he clearly became a fan favourite at Amex Stadium.

Here are some of your replies:

Michael: Solly has without doubt been one of the most talented, dedicated and top professionals Brighton has had over the past 14 years. Having watched him develop, I always knew he would compete at the highest level. With better luck, I'm sure he would have graced an England shirt. Thank you for everything, Solly. It was a joy and pleasure to watch you throughout the years - Sussex born and bred! The very best for your future - you will be missed.

Paul: One of the few players who really got you out of your seat. Solly, it has been an absolute pleasure to have seen you play for my team. Three hundred games is one heck of a feat and you should be very proud of yourself. I will always applaud you if you return to Amex Stadium, as will thousands of other Albion fans. Wishing you the very best of luck, wherever you find yourself. Any team will be very proud and lucky to have you.

Keith: Solly, you have made a fantastic contribution to Brighton & Hove Albion. Lots of us Sussex lads would've loved to have walked in your shoes. You always gave your best. Very well done - and good luck for the future.

Dommo: Solly, I live in Eastbourne and you have a loyal following within this area. An ex-colleague of mine knows your dad. You are a local boy who has been loved and adored by the fans. You will be missed. I wish you well in your next journey.

Adrian: Solly, you will always be one of the Albion's all-time greats! Your commitment to the club has been outstanding. To watch you progress from the days down at The Dripping Pan with Lewes through to our ventures into Europe has been a joy. You truly reflect what Brighton & Hove Albion is as a club. Thank you for being part of my family's enjoyment over the years. I wish you success in whatever the next chapter brings for you.

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From arriving as a 17-year-old midfield prospect, to leaving as a 'local legend' who has represented Brighton & Hove Albion 300 times in all competitions, Solly March's 14-year journey at the Seagulls has come to an end.

The south coast side announced March's contract will not be extended after representing Brighton for the final time in the 3-0 loss to Manchester United on the final day of the Premier League season.

March was formerly on Chelsea's books during his youth, but it was at non-league Lewes where he caught the attention of then League One side Brighton.

In an open letter to Brighton fans, external, the 31-year-old said: "From arriving from Lewes as a young lad with big dreams to walking out at the Amex in the Premier League and in Europe, it's been everything I could have hoped for and more.

"I grew up at this club and learned what it means to represent Brighton & Hove Albion. I'll always be grateful for the opportunity. As the club grew, I was lucky enough to grow with it.

"That promotion season will always stay with me and to take this club into the Premier League meant everything.

"What followed went beyond anything I imagined. Establishing ourselves in the Premier League and then, under Roberto de Zerbi, reaching Europe. Those nights were incredibly special, and I'm proud to have been part of them.

"It's been an honour to wear this shirt and to be part of this club's history. I'll always be watching, always supporting and always grateful. From the bottom of my heart, thank you."

You can send your well wishes to local legend, Solly March, as he leaves the club after representing the Seagulls for 14 years - send your views by clicking this form

Watch a clip of BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited below or the full episode here - and don't forget to subscribe to the show on BBC Sounds

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Joe Sayers
Fan writer

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Season score out of 10 and overriding emotion?

A solid 8/10, and the overriding emotion is pride. A lot of praise needs to be heaped on to Fabian Hurzeler. Earlier this year, he was under immense pressure from sections of the fanbase, with questions being asked about performances and direction. But to turn things around and deliver another eighth-place finish alongside European qualification is incredible. The Albion continue to punch above their weight and Hurzeler deserves huge credit for keeping belief intact and guiding the club to a second European campaign.

Best moment and why?

Hurzeler beating his chest in front of the North Stand after we beat Liverpool at the Amex. It was one of those moments that goes beyond the result itself. The emotion, the connection with the fans and the sense of release all came together at once. Truly, it felt at that moment like things had changed and the belief around the club had returned.

Player of season and why?

Ferdi Kadioglu. He brought a constant energy all over the pitch that never wavered throughout the campaign. Whether driving forward or putting in the hard yards defensively, his commitment and intensity stood out every week. He deserved more goals this season too, which only adds to the excitement around what he could produce next time. There is a big season coming from him.

Unsung hero and why?

James Milner. The players constantly talk about how much of an influence he is on and off the pitch, and that says everything. His professionalism, leadership and standards helped create the environment needed for us to achieve our European qualification.

Biggest disappointment?

There were points and moments when, had we kept our nerve a little more, we could be talking about Champions League nights. But to be achieving Europe for a second time, you cannot be too disappointed with that.

What needs to change this summer?

Nothing needs to change, because the well-oiled machine of Brighton & Hove Albion is ticking over exactly as we would hope it to. The club is building slowly but surely towards more success.

Major hope for next season?

Simple - we have to go and win the Conference League!

Find more from Joe Sayers at Albion Obsessed, external

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Should Brighton expect to go all the way in the Conference League and is there a risk attached to their participation?

BBC Radio Sussex's Johnny Cantor was joined by Warren Aspinall and Guy Butters on this week's Albion Unlimited and the issue was discussed.

Watch the full show by pressing play above or listen on BBC Sounds here

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Listen to every Brighton game live on BBC Radio Sussex, with all the build-up and full commentary with Johnny Cantor and Warren Aspinall, and there is a full preview of all Seagulls' matches on Fridays at 18:00 in The Weekend Warm-up

Tottenham manager Roberto de Zerbi is targeting three players from his former club Brighton - Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba, 22, Dutch defender Jan Paul van Hecke, 25, and Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, 23. (Independent), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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