Khun Top's Brighton Notes

I couldn’t have imagined, when we beat Aston Villa on Matchday 29, that 15 weeks would pass before King Power Stadium hosted its next Premier League match. It’s been a long time and it’s not quite the experience we’re used to, but it’s good to have football back.

So much has happened during that period. It’s been a difficult time for people all over the world, adjusting to life without some of the personal interactions we may have taken for granted in the past and, for many, coping with real hardship and loss. My thoughts are with all those affected by the events of recent months. It feels like the world is taking its first recovery steps, but we must never forget the sacrifices people have made for us to get to this point, nor the heroic efforts of key workers all over the world.

Such times have also brought out the best in so many and I’ve been so proud of how our fans have moved to directly support our community recovery efforts. The money you have raised through the donation of ticket rebates and purchasing our Then Now Again replica shirts will be used by the Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Foundation to directly support those affected by the challenges of recent months.

Clearly we would rather be playing matches with fans in the stadium. You’re such a big part of what makes matchdays special and have been for generations, whether that’s at King Power Stadium, at Filbert Street, at away grounds around the country, around Europe and the world. Such a sustained period of games without fans is unprecedented and will take some time to get used to, but I know the players are driven to succeed in your absence and make sure that, when you return, you’re taking your place at the side of a team you’re proud of, as part of the biggest occasions.

Football’s return would not have been possible without key contributions from a number of people and I must take this opportunity to thank the staff from multiple departments at the Club that have worked relentlessly towards the restart in recent weeks. There are too many people to name, but the management of logistics and protocols at both the training ground and the stadium has been substantial. It’s taken a big team effort to get the team back on the pitch and there is still plenty of work to be done.

Supporters will have a big part to play in that, through following the games at home. It will be different for you all not experiencing the games together, but it’s important that our fans continue to follow the appropriate guidance for the season to be completed. The Club will be working hard to recreate parts of the matchday experience for you to enjoy from home, including a supporter pack that will have been received by all Season Ticket Holders and Members today. It can’t replace having you here, but it’s a small gesture so you all know we’re thinking of you and to help you recreate a little of King Power Stadium in your own homes.

Thank you for your support. It remains as important to us now as it always has.

Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha
Chairman