Dean Hammond Expects Brighton Onslaught

With Brighton having had a dip in form recently he knows that the Albion players will be doing all that they can to rectify the situation.

They sit four points clear of Charlton and are eight points clear of Saints. Charlton are on a hot treak and have closed the gap with several clubs including Saints just behind them.

Brighton also have the incentive of a new stadium being readied for next season and they would dearly love to be playing in the Championship next season to greet their hosts in their new home.

Last season they were struggling when Gus Poyet took over the reins and his first game was at St Mary's. This game they duly won by three goals to one and they will be hoping for more of the same.

Dean talking to the matchday Programme said,'They want to move into their new stadium as a Championship club. We have the same ambitions here in Southampton, and it's great for the south that right now we have three clubs battling it out for a place in the top six.'

It's early days of course, and there's a lot that can happen between now and the end of the season. But all three clubs like to get the ball down and play football. So it could all go down to the wire.'

Dean added that having played together for a year now our team has moved on since then.

With the additions we made in the summer now showing their quality and with our new manager imposing his style and direction to the team I am hopeful that Dean is correct.

Tonight will be a tough game for both teams as their is so much at stake. Lose and we go eleven points adrift of Brighton but win and we will close the gap to five and we will be right up there in the mix.

To see Dean's interview in full you will need tonight's programme. £3 at the game or £2 online. Well worth a read.

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