Solomon March, hailing from Hailsham, the local hero.
He was one of the last remaining players from the promotion squad nearly a decade on, but that medal of honour falls on the last survivor, Lewis Dunk.
Today we heard confirmation of our number seven’s departure at the end of June.
It’s tough to put into words what March means to us. It almost feels poetic that he made it to 300 appearances before bowing out, but without injury he could’ve made a couple hundred more at least. It’s a shame we couldn’t have said goodbye properly on the last day of the season; alas, a final “Solly, Solly March” will suffice.
Alas, dwelling on what could’ve been is naive, given what we have is a modern Albion legend.
Without March, where would Brighton be? The local lad was the one to send us up vs Wigan all those years ago. Under Hughton off both wings, under Potter as a wing-back, under De Zerbi as one of the best right wingers in the division.
The 22/23 season gave us the best version of him, operating at a level that saw him realise the potential we all knew he had.
Whether it be a stunner at The Saints, goals home and away against Palace, or prime David Beckham vs Liverpool, it was a joy to watch him in full dezerbismo flow. Had it not been for two penalties, who knows what we would be reminiscing on today, but who can blame him?
I don’t want to talk about penalties, or injuries, or being an inch away from playing out a full campaign in Europe. I want to think about the good times. Like his performances on Buzz’s boot room quiz. Although I’m not sure he’d be entirely happy with me bringing that up.
The truth is, for many he is proof that the dream is real. He is 31 now, and he is responsible for so many happy memories. Even flash back to that stunner at Villa Park under Potter, or a brace at Molineux shortly before that injury.
To be honest, it’s been incredible to even see him play football again. There was a non-zero chance that he could’ve never hit the grass under the lights again, so for that I’m so thankful. Even though the last two seasons haven’t gone his way, at least he’s still able to live the dream.
Wherever he is off to next, I wish him nothing but goodwill. From everyone at Brighton, go and enjoy it.
We’ll miss you.
