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  6. 'Brighton believe in this manager - that's all he wants'

    Fabian Hurzeler celebratesGetty Images

    Former Brighton midfielder Warren Aspinall says head coach Fabian Hurzeler has "rightly" agreed a new long-term deal with the club.

    "It's commitment from the football club and they believe in this manager - that's all he wants. He wants to be backed by the board," Aspinall told BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited.

    "They've probably had a chat with him, he's got a year left after this year and they've given him a new contract - rightly so.

    "You're sitting eighth in the Premier League with three games to go, hopefully we can get into Europe.

    "He mentioned last season that when he first came to the club, that they weren't fit enough so he had to do something about that and it's reaping its rewards now, this season. Not last season because it takes time.

    "Moving forward, it's good for him and hopefully he can bring the right players in to go with him.

    "When they went on that terrible run they could have gone trigger-happy and got rid of him but no, they knew what he was doing and they knew the long-term. You have to give managers patience."

    Former Brighton defender Guy Butters added: "Tying him down to a long-term contract would give that confidence from the fans' point of view and give the confidence in the club that it's going in the right direction."

    Hear the podcast in full below or listen on BBC Sounds

    Albion Unlimited: Hurzeler set for new deal

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  16. Hinshelwood switch key to Seagulls' surge - so how good could be become?

    Scott McCarthy
    Fan writer

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    Jack HinshelwoodGetty Images

    As England manager, Thomas Tuchel is blessed by having more number 10s than he knows what to do with. The list includes Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Morgan Rogers, Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White.

    The competition is huge, which is presumably why nobody is talking about Jack Hinshelwood's England prospects - not necessarily for this summer's World Cup, but for the future.

    Now, you might think it is mere Brighton bias to put Hinshelwood's name in such esteemed company, and maybe it is.

    But what cannot be disputed is the cold, hard fact that Fabian Hurzeler pushing Hinshelwood into the number 10 role at the end of February has been one of the biggest factors in turning Albion fans' fears of being dragged towards the relegation battle into dreams of a top-six finish.

    Brighton had one league win in 13 games when Hurzeler sprung a surprise by starting Hinshelwood behind Danny Welbeck for Albion's trip to Brentford - and it ended that abysmal run of form.

    It has since given way to six wins and one draw from nine games.

    While Hinshelwood's individual statistics of two goals and two assists over those nine matches are unlikely to have Bellingham, Palmer or Rogers quaking in their boots, he is just one of those players you have to watch live to appreciate how good he is.

    His footballing intelligence is astonishing for a 21-year-old. It is why he can seamlessly switch from playing as a full-back to a number 10, something England already know about after he starred at right-back and left-back when the under-21s retained their Euros title last summer.

    Hinshelwood links play brilliantly and gets into some excellent positions, but the one thing that currently lets him down is his finishing.

    However, there are already signs he is working on that because his recent goals against Chelsea and Newcastle were taken with aplomb.

    If he becomes more clinical, he could easily hit double figures and beyond for Brighton next season. At which point, his England claims would become impossible to ignore.

    Find more from Scott McCarthy at We Are Brighton

  17. 🎧 What does Hurzeler's new deal mean for Brighton?

    In the latest episode of BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast, Johnny Cantor is joined by former Brighton players Warren Aspinall and Guy Butters to discuss Fabian Hurzeler's new contract.

    They also review the Newcastle defeat, look ahead to the final three games and hear from Jan Paul van Hecke and Jack Hinshelwood.

    Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

    Albion Unlimited: Hurzeler set for new deal

    Explore all Brighton content on BBC Sounds

    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

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  19. Hurzeler a 'key part of stable set-up' or 'no connection with fans'?

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    Fabian Hurzeler puts his arms around Jack Hinshelwood and Olivier BoscagliGetty Images

    We asked for your views on Fabian Hurzeler agreeing a new long-term contract to extend his stay at Amex Stadium, after penning an initial deal to become the youngest full-time boss of a Premier League team in June 2024.

    Here are some of your replies:

    Andrew: I am very pleased, indeed. He has been doing well as our manager and I am confident will go on to do even better as his experience and knowledge of the Premier League develops. He has become a key part of this stable and sophisticated Brighton set-up.

    Rich: Fantastic news. This will dispel any rumours of him moving. If Chelsea or any other club want him, it will cost them big now. After a shaky start to his career at Brighton, he's had his critics - but I like him. He has been a good manager for us. If he can find the consistency, he will be listed as a top-class manager.

    Daniel: I am not happy. He has got the potential to be a great manager, but his tactics are bizarre sometimes. I want him out, no matter what happens this season, because he has no connection with the fans. Just look at Roberto de Zerbi and Spurs - that's what we need and what we miss.

    Jonathan: Contracts can be broken, if performances reduce. I know that sounds negative but I haven't really ever seen or heard our players praising Fabian Hurzeler.

    Nigel: We have to trust Mr Bloom. I hope he will back up this decision with some new experienced players to replace Danny Welbeck, James Milner and possibly Lewis Dunk. All three of them have been great for the club, but how long can Hurzeler continue to be lucky with them?

    Melv: He took time to establish himself, but he got there in the end. He deserves an extended contract. There's more to come from this man yet.

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  24. New Hurzeler contract - have your say

    Fabian Hurzeler celebratesGetty Images

    So, Brighton have agreed a new long-term contract with head coach Fabian Hurzeler.

    The Seagulls are eighth in the Premier League, on 50 points with three matches remaining, as they seek European football for only the second time in the club's history.

    Hurzeler, 33, had 12 months to run on his existing deal.

    What do you make of the news? How do you rate Hurzeler's time in charge so far? And how far can he take you now?

    Let us know here

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  25. Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, in a hooded jacket and with dark brown hair and beard, looks on before a Premier League match at Burnley