Freedom of the City for the Seagulls

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Freedom of the City will be conferred on Brighton & Hove Albion’s manager and chairman this week in honour of the Seagulls’ success in promotion to the Premier League.

Manager Chris Hughton and chairman Tony Bloom will receive the honour at a special council meeting at Brighton Town Hall on Thursday 18 May at 3pm.

The city is still in celebratory spirits following the confirmation of the promotion last month and an amazing turn out on the streets for the Albion’s parade on Sunday.

At the meeting on Thursday afternoon, lead councillors will speak in support of the motion to award honorary Freedom of the City before all councillors vote to officially confer the title.

Chris Hughton took over as Albion manager in the middle of the 2014/15 season, helping retain the club’s place in the Championship. Last year the Albion missed out on automatic promotion only by goal difference, finishing third. Hull won the ensuing play-offs for the third promotion spot. This year the team gained automatic promotion finishing just one point behind Newcastle, a team that came down from the Premier League last year.

Brightonian Tony Bloom became club chairman in 2009, succeeding Dick Knight. He has personally invested millions into the club, including its home the Amex Community Stadium and training ground in Lancing.

Council meetings are open to the public but space in the chamber is limited and the councillors and club guests have to be given priority with regards to seating. To avoid disappoint, residents are encouraged to enjoy the ceremony by watching the live webcast rather than coming to the town hall