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Andy Naylor

@andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social

1.3K followers 57 following 567 posts

Sexagenarian grandad with a senior citizens railcard, very happily married father of two grown-ups, repelling age with tennis, pilates and outdoor spas. Oh, and the only Stoke supporter covering Brighton.

Posts Replies Media

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 16/10/2026

It’s a well-worn path for fans. Brighton have been better underdogs than favourites for games under Fabian Hurzeler, but they are getting the hang of coping with expectation. Despatching Kauno Zalgiris in Europe is the latest example. #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/769...

Brighton may have kicked their habit of freezing when favourites at the ideal time (Gift Article)

Brighton are favourites to win the UEFA Conference League, and that's something they will have to get used to

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

Eight changes. Verbruggen, Boscagli and Gross go again after Saturday's 2-0 win at Sunderland. #BHAFC

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

Brighton have never had so much quality depth in their squad. That could be a game changer in pursuit of major silverware and staying in the hunt to qualify for the Champions League. #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/767...

Brighton may not have their best ever XI, but they do have their best ever squad

As Fabian Hurzeler's side look to balance Europe with domestic competitions, having a deeper squad could prove more useful than a strong XI

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler has encouraged unusual team building exercises for his overhauled squad. The spirit was evident in the fourth league win out of six at Sunderland which kept them third in the table. #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/761...

Brighton’s brilliant start is built on coffee runs, biscuit tricks and no longer being ‘nice’ (Gift Article)

Fabian Hurzeler's squad was remodelled in the summer - but their insatiable spirit has come to the fore. How far can it take them?

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

Brighton are unsurprisingly unchanged at Sunderland after that 3-0 destruction of Arsenal. #BHAFC Pascal Struijk keeps his place in the centre of defence, so Lewis Dunk is on the bench after missing the Arsenal match with a neck injury.

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Tony Bloom sleeps well, even when results go badly for Brighton. He has a highly regarded head coach, envied recruitment, a squad bursting with foreign talent and a thirst for trophies. Exclusive interview with the club’s owner and chairman. #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/762...

Tony Bloom on Hurzeler and Brighton’s future: ‘We have a realistic chance of finishing in the top five’

The Brighton owner and chairman also addresses his desire to win the UEFA Conference League and the eye-catching fee paid for Luka Vuskovic

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Zadok Johanna's journey from gravel pitches in Nigeria to the Premier League with Brighton. #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/736...

Zadok Yohanna’s journey to Brighton and the Premier League, as told by his mentors

The teenager went from Nigeria to Swedish football - the men that took him on that journey explain why they believe in his talent

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

A new monthly series on The Athletic. A squad ladder for each Premier League club, assessing who is in form and how it might change. Here is my take on #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/766...

Brighton squad ladder: Gross improves with age, but when will Rutter find some rhythm?

It has been a busy and impressive start to the season for Fabian Hurzeler's side, with plenty of squad players catching the eye early on

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Kaoru Mitoma dazzled for Japan against England in March. He has not played for Brighton since suffering a hamstring injury in May and faces a fight to regain his place when he eventually returns. #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/761...

Brighton are flying without Mitoma. How can he force his way back in? (Gift Article)

Maxim De Cuyper has thrived as a left-winger as the Japan international has recovered from a hamstring injury

Reposted by Andy Naylor

The Athletic | Football @theathleticfc.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Free-scoring Brighton harried and hustled Arsenal into submission. Now Hurzeler might start getting the credit he deserves www.nytimes.com/athletic/760...

This was Hurzeler-ball. And it was fabulous

Free-scoring Brighton harried and hustled Arsenal into submission. Now Hurzeler might start getting the credit he deserves

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Struijk for Dunk (stiff neck), Andres for the benched Yalcouye. #BHAFC

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

The comeback at Manchester United proved that Brighton have assembled a squad with enough depth and quality to win a major trophy for the first time this season. #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/759...

A performance that showed why Brighton are finally ready to win their first trophy (Gift Article)

With six changes to the starting line-up, Brighton showed they have the strength in depth to challenge for silverware

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Greek teenager Charalampos Kostoulas is seizing his opportunity as a No 9 contender at Brighton. #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/759...

Brighton’s teenage talent Charalampos Kostoulas is taking his opportunity with both hands

The 19-year-old has impressed Fabian Hurzeler with his development as he bids to become Danny Welbeck's permanent successor

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Lewis Dunk scored his second Premier League goal from outside the box at Coventry, and first since a free-kick against Liverpool in November 2019. But was it the best of a high class bunch? #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/758...

Lewis Dunk. From 30 yards. ‘The perfect shot’ – but was it even Brighton’s best goal of the game?

In a game of stunning finishes, it was the 34-year-old centre-back who had the visitors' bench on their feet in celebration

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Yasin Ayari’s future at Brighton is uncertain. They have an option year on his contract, expiring next summer, but they are not sure he will stay. #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/755...

Yasin Ayari is thriving in Brighton’s midfield, but how long will he be there? (Gift Article)

Brighton & Hove Albion are in ongoing talks with Yasin Ayari about a new contract - but there are no guarantees that he will stay

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Bart Verbruggen’s mixed form and why Jason Steele should play for Brighton in the Conference League. #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/757...

Conference League could add new dynamic to Brighton’s goalkeeper hierarchy

Verbruggen is the Netherlands' No 1 but there is still a case for Steele to be wearing the gloves in the Conference League this season

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Luka Vuskovic is already a big part of Brighton’s Premier League plans. #BHAFC The other ten summer signings have their work cut out to emulate the Croatian teenager. #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/756...

Luka Vuskovic has hit the ground running, but Brighton’s 10 other signings will need time (Gift Article)

The youthful Croatian has struck up a fruitful partnership in the centre of defence with 34-year-old skipper Lewis Dunk

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

Brighton v Leeds. #BHAFC Ayari back from injury for the injured Wieffer. Looks like Kadioglu to right-back, Boscagli at left-back.

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Brighton midfielder turned right-back Mats Wieffer has been ruled out until October by a freak knee injury sustained when the ball struck his face during Sunday's 4-3 defeat at Chelsea. Full details ⬇️#BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/756...

Mats Wieffer to miss Brighton’s next four games with knee injury (Gift Article)

Fabian Hurzeler said that the injury occurred after Wieffer was struck in the face by a ball, putting his leg in a "strange" position.

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Promise David has soared in three years from Estonia’s third tier to the Premier League at Brighton. Interview with the Canadian on backpacking at small clubs around Europe and the life-changing message from Belgian side USG he thought was a scam. #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/756...

Promise David, Brighton’s new striker: ‘Players are similar, but I’m different’ (Gift Article)

The Canadian's road to the Premier League has been a long and winding one, via Croatia, Malta, Belgium, and the Estonian third division

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Review of Brighton’s busiest window ever. #BHAFC The summer spend did not quite reach the 2024 level of nearly £200m on nine players, but 11 signings, eight sales and multiple loan exits mean a profit from a drastic refresh. www.nytimes.com/athletic/753...

Brighton transfer window review: A club record signing, 33 changes and deals down to the wire

The departures of Danny Welbeck, Carlos Baleba and Jan Paul van Hecke required Brighton to rebuild the spine of the team

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

An update from colleague David Ornstein on Brighton’s pursuit of Millwall winger Femi Azeez. #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/755...

Brighton set to intensify pursuit of Millwall winger Azeez

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Updated…Brighton have completed the £3.5m signing of Colombian midfielder Matias Orozco, 18, from Deportivo Cali. He will go on loan in Europe. #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/754...

Brighton sign midfielder Orozco, 18, from Deportivo Cali

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Brighton developed Moises Caicedo into a £115m player and Carlos Baleba into a £70m player. The plan is for Malick Yalcouye to become the next midfield goldmine. #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/754...

Yalcouye’s assured performance shows the post-Baleba era might not be so bad after all (Gift Article)

The 20-year-old midfielder impressed against Chelsea and looks like he will give a good go at stepping into the departed Cameroonian's shoes

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Former Brighton v Brighton. #BHAFC Yalcouye first PL start for Ayari (not in squad), Kadioglu back (for O’Riley) and a rejig of who plays where.

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

It is too soon to say if Brighton will miss Danny Welbeck, but goals are flying in from everywhere as they face last season’s top scorer at Chelsea on Sunday. #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/754...

It’s so far, so good for Brighton’s rejigged post-Danny Welbeck attack (Gift Article)

Brighton sold last season's top scorer to Chelsea and face multiple injury issues, yet a reshuffled forward line has been in superb form

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Kostoulas at 9 and O’Riley at 10 for Rutter and Hinshelwood (both injured). Gather Hinshelwood is more precautionary and rested. #BHAFC

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Brighton are set to sign teenage Colombian midfielder Matias Orozco. They are also interested in Millwall’s Nigerian international forward Femi Azeez. #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/754...

Brighton set to sign Colombian midfielder Matias Orozco, 18, from Deportivo Cali (Gift Article)

The south-coast club are also interested in Millwall forward Femi Azeez.

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Brighton are on course to add Jaouen Hadjam from Young Boys in Switzerland to their full-back options. #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/753...

Brighton close to completing €12m Hadjam signing from Young Boys

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

The latest on Amario Cozier-Duberry’s Brighton future. #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/753...

The Transfer DealSheet: Latest on Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Real Madrid and more (Gift Article)

This is the latest from across the transfer window in the Premier League and beyond

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Brighton’s refit in the centre of defence. #BHAFC How they look after selling Jan Paul van Hecke. www.nytimes.com/athletic/753...

Brighton have turned to a mix of youth and experience to fill the void left by Van Hecke (Gift Article)

Veteran Lewis Dunk partnered rookie Luka Vuskovic at the back as Brighton marched to a 4-0 opening day win over Aston Villa

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Big summer sales without any detrimental impact is a key part of the way Brighton operate. #BHAFC They could lose as many as four top players this time, but they still swept aside Aston Villa. www.nytimes.com/athletic/753...

No Baleba, no problem: Brighton continue to defy football logic (Gift Article)

Brighton & Hove Albion's tactic of selling top players during the summer transfer window and continuing to thrive shows no sign of stalling

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

No Kadioglu for Brighton (minor injury). Probably Boscagli left-back. Vuskovic the only summer signing starting. Struijk, Svoboda, Costinha, Yohanna and David on the bench. #BHAFC

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Exclusive… Brighton have fired one of the taxi firms hired to pick up players after a driver was caught on camera at the Amex Stadium appearing to use an illegal substance. #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/752...

Brighton axe taxi firm after driver arrested for drug use (Gift Article)

The firm had been due to return players home after last weekend's friendly with Bologna but the club was forced to make alternative plans.

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Brighton’s second European adventure in the Conference League began with costly and frustrating challenges for fans who made it to the Arctic Circle, or who watched the tie against Tromso at home. #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/751...

Brighton’s European adventure begins with costly flights, no TV coverage and goalless draw (Gift Article)

Supporters who travelled to Tromso in the Arctic Circle faced a number of challenges… but at least the players paid for their tickets

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Exclusive…Liverpool have £50m Yankuba Minteh bid rejected by Brighton www.nytimes.com/athletic/752...

Liverpool have £50m Yankuba Minteh bid rejected by Brighton (Gift Article)

The 22-year-old winger is expected to be out for another eight weeks with an injury he sustained in pre-season.

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler on bonding with Carlo Ancelotti, feeling more British than German, contract doubts, his role in player recruitment and why he is sceptical about set pieces. Exclusive interview #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/751...

Fabian Hurzeler interview: ‘When I get criticised, I get criticised in the right way’ (Gift Article)

The Brighton & Hove Albion head coach discusses silencing doubters, unlikely confidents, feeling English, and his hatred of set pieces

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Brighton reach a decade in the Premier League this season, with the danger of Europe getting in the way again of another top ten finish. My preview. #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/750...

Brighton 2026-27 season preview: Back in Europe but injuries mount and a striker is needed (Gift Article)

With Kaoru Mitoma, Yankuba Minteh and Carlos Baleba injured and no replacement for Danny Welbeck so far, there could be challenges ahead

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Brighton v Bologna friendly. Jason Steele back on the bench from the World Cup as England’s training goalkeeper. #BHAFC

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh will be out for two to three months with a leg injury sustained against Roma on Saturday. #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/751...

Brighton set to be without Minteh for 2-3 months with injury

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Long-term deal for Brighton’s play anywhere Paraguayan Diego Gomez. #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/751...

Brighton midfielder Diego Gomez signs new five-year deal (Gift Article)

Gomez joined Brighton from MLS side Inter Miami in January 2025.

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Why a tie against Tromso over two legs is a tricky start for Brighton in the Europa Conference League. #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/749...

Can Brighton’s squad withstand the test of Tromso and have a crack at the Conference League? (Gift Article)

A trip to the Arctic Circle awaits Fabian Hurzeler's side - and defeat could cause them some awkward problems throughout the season

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Interview with Brighton's record buy Luka Vuskovic. 🏟️Why he has a stadium tattoo 🌍What he learnt from Harry Kane at the World Cup 🏖️Why he chose Brighton ⌚️Time on his side to grow #BHAFC 🇭🇷 www.nytimes.com/athletic/750...

Brighton’s Luka Vuskovic: ‘I look forward to playing in the Premier League, but it was not my biggest dream’ (Gift Article)

Brighton's club-record signing discusses his ambition, competition for places at the Amex, and lessons from the World Cup

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

The ages profile of the Brighton squad has changed during Fabian Hurzeler’s reign. Roma’s friendly visit, after they were opponents in Europe at the Amex two years ago, highlighted a significant shift in recruitment policy. #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/749...

Brighton’s squad makeup is shifting this summer – with players at ‘the best football age’ (Gift Article)

It has been a case of 'Out with the old, in with the new' at the Amex Stadium during this transfer window

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

Yankuba Minteh increases Brighton's injury problems. #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/750...

Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh faces scan on right leg injury sustained against Roma (Gift Article)

It is the latest injury worry for Brighton, with Kaoru Mitoma, Carlos Baleba and Evan Ferguson all expected to miss the start of the season.

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

Back at the Amex. Here are the teams for the first pre season friendly open to supporters. #BHAFC

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

A pre-season injury for Carlos Baleba could turn into a blessing in disguise for Brighton, reducing the chances of a sale. #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/749...

Carlos Baleba’s injury offers a chance to reboot his Brighton career

The 22-year-old's form dipped last season and his ankle ligament injury is a blow, but it might be for the best in the long run

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Updated, Brighton have completed the sale of third choice goalkeeper Carl Rushworth to Coventry. #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/747...

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

The inside story of Danny Welbeck’s surprise move to Chelsea. Why he left and where it leaves Brighton’s front line for a busy start to the season in the Europa Conference League and the Premier League. #BHAFC

Why Danny Welbeck moved to Chelsea – and where it leaves Brighton’s No 9 options (Gift Article)

Welbeck's form last season and contract situation gave Brighton a dilemma when Chelsea came calling

Andy Naylor @andynaylorbrighton.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Exclusive...Brighton cancel training camp in France after helicopters flying in world leaders to the G7 summit at Evian in June damaged the training pitches they intended to use. #BHAFC www.nytimes.com/athletic/746...

Brighton’s pre-season camp cancelled as G7 summit helicopters ruin pitches

The pitches the south-coast club were intending to play on were used as landing grounds for the world's leading politicians in June.