Gull-Mouth Action podcast - episode 12 | The latest Brighton transfer rumours and a shambles for Cra
SussexWorld's Matt Pole is joined by Brighton & Hove Albion writers Derren Howard and Sam Morton, and Crawley Town expert Mark Dunford. The Seagulls advanced to the fourth round of this season’s FA Cup with an excellent 4-2 victory at Championship outfit Stoke City. We’ll pick over the bones of Albion’s FA Cup win, and take a look at all the latest goings on at Crawley Town. You can read all the stories we are talking about with videos and pictures online at SussexWorld.co.uk/sport, and you check out other great videos on ShotsTV.com and Freeview channel 276.
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00:00 [MUSIC]
00:10 Welcome to another episode of the Goldmouth Action Podcast,
00:16 where we take a look at all the latest goings on at Brighton,
00:19 Hove Abbey, Crawley Town and Sporting Sussex.
00:21 I'm Matt Poulton, this week I'm joined by Brighton, Hove Abbey and
00:24 writers Darren Howard and Sam Morton, and Crawley Town expert Mark Dunford.
00:28 The Seagulls advanced the fourth round of this season's FA Cup with an excellent
00:31 4-2 victory at Championship Outfit, Stoke City.
00:34 Brighton fell behind in the bet 3-6-5 at Perth as Estupinion's Thunderbolt,
00:38 Lewis Dunk's Imperious Header and another brace for the Red Hot,
00:41 João Pedro saw the Seagulls advance to the next round.
00:44 We'll pick over the bones of Abbey's FA Cup win and
00:46 take a look at all the latest goings on at Crawley Town.
00:49 You can read all the stories we are talking about with videos and
00:52 pictures online at sussexworld.co.uk/sport and
00:55 you can check out other great videos on shotstv.com and Freeview channel 276.
01:00 But as mentioned at the top of the show,
01:02 Abbey moved into the fourth round of the FA Cup after that excellent win at Stoke.
01:05 Sum that game up for us, please, Darren.
01:07 >> Yeah, I think you're right, Matt.
01:10 It was an excellent victory and yeah, a solid performance from Brighton.
01:15 They played well and they needed to really against a Stoke team that had been on
01:20 a pretty decent run under their new manager.
01:24 Beforehand, Deserby called for a real professional performance and
01:28 wanted his team to sort of play as a Europa League game and a Premier League game.
01:33 And I think for the most part they did that.
01:35 He would have been happy with how they set up, the commitment that they showed.
01:39 And he put a strong team out as well, which I think sort of shows their
01:44 intention to go far into the FA Cup this season.
01:49 And yeah, I really liked it.
01:51 I thought it's a good performance.
01:53 Van Gekko, I thought he was really good.
01:55 He's had such a good season this year.
01:58 And I really liked the way he went forward at the end as well to tee up
02:01 Joe Pedro's goal.
02:02 It's something that he's brought into his game lately as well,
02:06 where he's getting into more advanced positions as well.
02:10 And for a centre back, that's really useful asset.
02:12 So really pleased with him.
02:13 Pascal Gross is brilliant, of course, as he always is.
02:17 A couple of really nice assists for him.
02:19 And then Pedro, as you say, he's the man in form at the moment.
02:23 So yeah, two really good goals from him.
02:26 Another great goal for Estupinjan.
02:29 And yeah, I think Deserby said afterwards as well that it was a case of,
02:34 if you get a draw here, you're going to be preparing to face Stoke.
02:38 If you win, you're going to be in Dubai, warm weather training for a week.
02:41 So I think that was the main incentive for Brighton and
02:45 it got them over the line by the looks of it.
02:48 Well, Joe Pedro's double at the Bet365 took him to 15 goals for the season.
02:53 Of Premier League players, only Erling Haaland and Mo Salah,
02:55 with 19 and 18 goals respectively, have scored more in all competitions this season.
02:59 The stats show, Sam, that Joe Pedro is obviously having a wonderful season,
03:03 but has his form taken you by surprise?
03:05 I must admit, I didn't think that he would have this kind of return when he signed in the summer.
03:10 Yeah, no, I must admit, I'm also quite surprised, really.
03:13 I think it was a great signing and there was potential there, 100%.
03:16 I think we looked at his form for Watford in the championship and he scored a few goals there.
03:21 And obviously, we knew that he was very young and he had some raw talent that Brighton could develop.
03:27 But I certainly didn't think it would happen so quickly.
03:30 And he's obviously been brilliant from the penalty spot,
03:32 one of the best penalty takers I've seen for a long, long time.
03:35 You almost feel like he's never going to miss a penalty with the way that he takes them,
03:39 you know, so composed and he seems to always send the keeper the wrong way.
03:44 And now he's adding goals from open play to that as well.
03:47 I think he's been really good in the air.
03:49 He's got a fantastic header against Stoke.
03:51 And as Derek mentioned, a pretty simple finish, but it was kind of a poacher's goal, I guess.
03:58 He was in the right place at the right time.
03:59 He was showing those striking instincts as well to get in and around the box
04:04 and to finish off those flowing moves.
04:06 And it's been brilliant for Brighton.
04:08 I think the only concern that the more goals he scores and the more that he impresses,
04:11 the more likely that his head might be turned and big clubs will come in for him.
04:17 And I think Serbi has even admitted himself, it might be tough to play,
04:22 well, be his manager for another season.
04:24 So I think he implied like there's going to be some interest in the summer for the Brazilian.
04:28 But hopefully they can keep hold of him for as long as they can.
04:31 And obviously he's been prolific in the Europa League as well.
04:34 He's still the top scorer in that competition.
04:36 So hopefully he can keep that going in the knockout rounds.
04:39 And we can see him for much longer at Brighton yet.
04:44 Have we heard any potential rumours about Jal Pedro potentially catching the eye of other clubs, Sam?
04:51 I don't think anything concrete just yet.
04:52 I think it's all kind of hearsay, I guess.
04:54 I don't think we've heard any, as I say, concrete rumours anyone's going to be in for him.
04:58 But I think it's just the concern that the longer that this run goes on and the more goals he scores,
05:03 that eventually these big teams are going to stump up some cash for him.
05:09 So, yeah, I don't think there's been anything concrete and anything of concern to Brighton just yet.
05:14 Well, post-match after the win at Stoke, Roberto Di Zerbi made quite the revealing admission that he didn't know who Jal Pedro was
05:20 when the club spent a record £30 million on the Brazilian this summer.
05:24 How surprised were you when you heard this from Di Zerbi, Darren?
05:27 I must admit, I was very shocked that he had no idea who he was.
05:31 Yeah, I saw these these quotes come out.
05:34 It's hard to know what to make of that, really.
05:37 Yeah, I was in a press conference towards the start of the season and Di Zerbi said that he'd actually pushed for his sign-in.
05:44 So, yeah, I'm not really sure.
05:47 It sort of contradicts what he said earlier in the season.
05:50 So, but yeah, one thing's for sure.
05:53 It's been a...
05:54 ...really has.
05:56 And, yeah, as you mentioned earlier, only Salah and Haaland have more goals in all competitions this morning, this season.
06:04 He's the leading scorer in the European League with six as well, ahead of Aubameyang and Lukaku as well.
06:12 So, yeah, £30 million looks a great deal.
06:15 And as you say, I think Brighton's main challenge would be keeping hold of him in the summer.
06:20 But yeah, whatever happens, I think, you know, a good sign in £30 million and his value has certainly skyrocketed since then.
06:29 So another great piece of business for Brighton.
06:33 Well, speaking of recruitment, Albion looks set to complete a move for Boca Juniors teenage left-back Valentin Barco.
06:38 Sam Morton, could you give us a lowdown, please, on the Argentinian?
06:41 And how do you see him fitting into Roberto Di Zerbi's squad at present?
06:46 Yeah, it's another very exciting, typical Brighton signing.
06:50 I would say really they're renowned for signing these young players from South America, as they did with Moises Caicedo and Pervez Estupinan.
06:57 And obviously Alexis McAllister was from that neck of the woods as well.
07:00 And so they have got history for doing this.
07:04 And I think the more successful they are at picking these players up and developing them into top talents and selling them on,
07:11 the more attractive Brighton comes and the more players that would like to come and play for them.
07:16 And I think this is another example of that, really.
07:17 So, yeah, as you say, Barco is a 19-year-old that can play either left-back or midfield.
07:24 So he can provide a bit of competition for Estupinan at left-back whilst also being versatile.
07:29 And as we've seen this season, versatility is so important to Brighton, really.
07:33 When you consider players like Pascal Gross, who can play pretty much anywhere.
07:37 Jack Hinchwood has played in a number of different positions.
07:40 And the injuries they've had is so important.
07:42 They have these players that can really step in wherever, really, and really make a difference.
07:49 But I think we've heard some reports from South American football expert Tim Vickery that he's not at all like Estupinan.
07:56 He said he's very different.
07:58 All they have in common is their left foot.
08:00 But he's an imposing, Estupinan is an imposing physical kind of player, whereas Barco is kind of a tiny figure.
08:07 I think he described him, he actually says he's a little red-headed flea, which was quite funny.
08:12 So, yeah, obviously it sounds like he might be a bit of a nuisance to attackers and he can impose a threat going forward as well.
08:21 So he's definitely really, really exciting for Brighton, really.
08:24 And hopefully that he can make an instant impression and play lots of games this season and going forward.
08:30 And as I say, he's only 19.
08:32 So plenty of time to progress and to learn from the experienced players in the squad as well.
08:38 If any of you would like to call me the long-haired little flea in future, by all means do, because that sounds like a cracking nickname.
08:44 Darren, considering the mounting injury list, I know when Brighton tend to sign players, they kind of bed them in.
08:52 But do you think because of the injury list at the moment, he will probably be thrown in at the deep end, Barco?
08:58 It could potentially, but I think it may take a little while to settle with the players that Brighton have got coming back.
09:05 Estupinan is now sort of back on that left flank.
09:09 But he provides another option, so he could be introduced slowly.
09:15 I'd imagine throwing him in straight from the start would be quite tough coming from Boca Juniors and not really settling in.
09:22 And knowing the system, Di Serbi likes to bed players in first of all and get them used to how they play, like he has done with Billy Gilmore.
09:31 Igor as well, he's taken a while to settle in as well.
09:35 And Boliva. So I think there will be a bedding in process first.
09:39 But yeah, I think he certainly will provide an option for the second half of the season, particularly if Mitoma as well, who plays on that left flank.
09:48 He's injured at the moment and also at the Asian Cup.
09:51 So there could be an opportunity there to introduce him slowly on that left flank whilst Mitoma is away.
09:57 And if he does continue having these injury issues when he gets back.
10:03 I should also add that I've seen a report from transfer Mark that he's very similar to Marcelo Van der Teen-Barco.
10:11 So he's got a brilliant left foot and can get excellent crosses into the box.
10:15 And I think with Jal Pedro being prolific in the area of late, that could be a real bonus as well.
10:20 So, yeah, as I say, he can potentially be a real threat going forward as well as defensively.
10:26 But I think he's playing with the Argentina under-23s at the moment in preparation for the Olympic qualifying tournament as well.
10:32 So that's coming up on January the 20th.
10:35 So, yeah, it sounds like he's going to get some play and time at a decent level as well before he joins up with the Brighton team.
10:42 Well, if he's been likened to Marcelo, I'm sure he's probably got a yellow card on him, but we'll probably wait and see how it is.
10:48 Going back to matters on the pitch, Brighton have been drawn away to Premier League strugglers Sheffield United in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
10:54 The fourth round matches will take place over the weekend of January 27th and 28th.
10:58 How do you view that draw, Deron? Good for them or potential banana skin?
11:04 Yeah, that would be a good one to throw Barco into, wouldn't it? Just to see how he copes in the Premier League, in a place like that.
11:11 But yeah, I imagine it'd be a tough one. There were a few groans, I imagine, when that draw came out.
11:17 It's not one to really get the pulses racing on a January afternoon.
11:21 And it's sort of another long trip for the fans up there.
11:25 But having said that, it's a good chance for Albion.
11:29 Many of the big teams are playing each other in other ties as well.
11:33 So if Albion can really produce another good performance and get through, the draw could really open up for them quite nicely.
11:42 So it's not the most glamorous of draws, but it's a decent chance for Albion to progress.
11:48 And I saw an interview with Lewis Stunk as well, and he spoke about the importance of wanting to make up for that semi-final loss to Man United last season.
11:56 And it's a competition that Brighton really want to take seriously and go far into this competition.
12:03 So, yeah, a good chance for them.
12:05 But as you say, it's going to be on the end of January.
12:08 And it's quite a tight period for them because they've got Wolves on the 22nd and then Luton away on the 30th.
12:14 So it's going to be sandwiched in between those two games.
12:17 So it's going to add to a congestion.
12:19 But yeah, they should be OK.
12:22 They've been sunning it in Dubai for all week.
12:25 So, yeah, it's hard to feel too sorry for them, really.
12:28 So I think they should be OK.
12:30 Yeah. It's all right for some minute there.
12:31 And it's all right. Yeah, they're doing that.
12:33 Yeah. Yeah. It's not bad.
12:35 Very quickly, Sam, thanks to the win in the Potteries, Seagulls now have 15 days until the next fixture,
12:40 which is on the 22nd of January when they host Wolves.
12:43 How vital will this rest period be for Albion? I bet the Derby is over the moon.
12:47 Yes, no, absolutely. You must be thrilled with that, really.
12:51 I think they've had such a hectic fixture list and they've had to rotate the squad constantly and constantly had to deal with injuries.
12:59 Every game, seemingly someone else is not able to play.
13:03 So and they've had very limited time, I think, to actually address some of the issues on the pitch.
13:08 And I think they've obviously had some frailties defensively, but not had much time to really work on that on the training ground and to try and iron out some of those those issues.
13:16 And I think having this extended break to just to work on these things, really, and to practice certain moves that could work in games and different routines that we've seen, I think, recently.
13:29 And I think that can only be of benefit, really. And it also gives a chance for some of these players to get to get some rest as well and get their match fitness back up.
13:38 Excellent. Thank you very much for that, chaps. When we take a quick break, but when we come back, we will talk all things Crawley Town.
13:46 Crawling Town have endured a funny old week, I think it's safe to say.
13:48 On Saturday, they scored twice in stoppage time to clinch a dramatic 4-2 win at Bradford.
13:53 The visitors had been trailing 2-1 before Adam Campbell's 85th minute equaliser.
13:58 They went on to complete a remarkable comeback as Dillon O'Orsey scored his second goal of the game from the penalty spot and then substitute Clydie Lollos made it a six goal thriller at the death.
14:06 It was some game, Mark. Try and sum that for us, please.
14:10 Yeah, well, I felt sorry for you having to do the report, Matt. You probably had it all written at 85 minutes to Crawley lose at Bradford.
14:17 But yeah, no, incredible, really.
14:19 I mean, Scott Lindsay said after the game that he said before the game to all his staff and that he's always had good results there.
14:27 And we mentioned last week that Crawley hadn't lost in eight league games to Bradford home and away.
14:32 So it's not I wasn't surprised by the result.
14:35 But the manner of the result is incredible, really, because, yeah, apparently, by all accounts, they won at their best for 85 minutes.
14:41 But as soon as I went to one down, sorry, not 85 minutes, but when I went to one down, they started playing and they started to relax, apparently.
14:49 And that's how they got it. And then they got the equaliser.
14:53 And then there was I think there was a little 10 or 11 minutes added time and they just took advantage.
14:57 And then they just punished Bradford, who were then chasing the game themselves.
15:01 And yeah, the fourth goal was a lovely goal.
15:03 Just Liam Kelly, I think, getting his 7-4-8 assist of the season, just laying off to Clydie Lawless, who smashed in the roof of the net.
15:10 But another great result and great start to the new year.
15:13 It's been fantastic. And a couple of really good goals.
15:17 The first goal, Danilo Orsi's one, I think it was Liam Kelly slipped Nick Cirulla through on the left and he crossed it in.
15:24 Orsi, header from close range.
15:27 And in the preview to the Peterborough game, which we will come on to soon, he, Lindsay, was saying that he was really pleased that in the last three games,
15:37 they've scored three identical goals, but involving eight different players.
15:42 So and it's the slip inside the full backs, cross in, somebody to tap home or head home.
15:47 And he's just saying that it just shows how good this squad is and how they've taken on his sort of philosophy and how he wants them to play.
15:55 They're all taking it on. Whoever they bring in, Jack Rowles, Clydie Lawless or Liam Kelly, Nick Cirulla and all that.
16:01 They're all they all know what they're doing when they come into this starting 11.
16:04 And yeah, no, it's fantastic to see.
16:07 I mean, obviously, he said that now. So teams are going to work out how to stop it probably.
16:11 But yeah, no, fantastic result.
16:13 And they're now only off the playoffs on goal difference, which is an incredible achievement.
16:18 It really is. Orsi's brace at Bradford took his tally to four in two games for 2024.
16:25 And remarkably, the Red Striker currently has the same goal tally as Kylian Mbappe so far this season.
16:31 And just how vital was the 27-year-old been to the good work that Crawley have done so far this season?
16:36 Really important. And I must admit, when I first saw him,
16:40 I didn't I wasn't completely convinced.
16:43 And I don't know if that was him just settling into the system and that.
16:47 But his goal scoring record in the last certainly in the last month has been amazing.
16:51 He's got 13 in all competitions now.
16:55 And he said that in pre at the beginning of the year, he was one in three and he had a real focus.
17:00 And he's been working with Carl Larriman, the former Arsenal coaches at Crawley this year.
17:05 And he wanted to get to one in two. And he's done that so far.
17:09 And he's just really good. I'm there's there's some games he's frustrated.
17:12 Sometimes he looks a little bit left up on his own when Crawley are playing more defensively in that.
17:17 But nothing. It was the Wimbledon game. Sam, you were there for this one.
17:20 I think there was a couple of times where he got chances and he just snatched at them.
17:23 And he sort of scuffed them. And it was a bit frustrating.
17:27 But since the turn of year, he has been clinical and fantastic.
17:31 And Scotland, he just loves him. He just works so hard.
17:34 That's one thing, although I wasn't convinced in the beginning, he never stops running.
17:38 He covers every blade of grass. He's just chasing everything down.
17:42 Crawley play such a pressing game that they need energetic players that are going to just push that last defender,
17:48 push the goalkeeper in on the ball. And also he does that fantastically.
17:51 And yeah, he's a great thing. But it's amazing, really, because you look at his record.
17:56 He hasn't played many seasons in the Football League, but he's played for Harrogate and he's played for Grimsby.
18:00 And he hasn't scored more than two goals in a season.
18:03 He was at Grimsby last year. Obviously, they got relegated last year.
18:07 Did they get relegated last year? No, they didn't.
18:11 Sorry. Apologies. But yeah, he only scored two goals playing in 24 games.
18:18 And I think people did question when he joined, but his goal scoring record this year is fantastic.
18:23 And yeah, he's a vital part of that thing. But I do think they need support in that area.
18:28 If he gets injured, I don't know who steps in in that sort of central focal point up front.
18:34 Well, you've mentioned it here. The Reds were due to visit Peterborough United, excuse me,
18:39 in the EFL trophy on Wednesday evening, but it descended into farce, didn't it, Mark?
18:43 Could you please explain the situation surrounding the game and why it was so many travelling Crawley fans left annoyed?
18:50 I think annoyed is an understatement. Yes. Yeah, it was bizarre because yesterday,
18:55 me and you were mainly all over it kind of thing. But there was a obviously it's very cold and pitches are going to be frozen.
19:02 And at 1230, there was a pitch inspection. It was then recommended that it was a further inspection at 230.
19:09 And when I heard it, I know I had a discussion with you and I said, well, it's going to be off then because it's not going to get any warmer from 230.
19:16 And is the temperature is going to stay this cold? So what's the point kind of thing?
19:20 But I said it was on and it was like, OK, fair enough. So everybody started travelling, left about three o'clock,
19:25 got up there and there I've seen comments from Crawley fans who were literally stepping off the train at Peterborough station
19:32 when they got the notification at six twenty six p.m. that it was going to be it was called off the actual match,
19:38 because it was a local referee earlier in the day who was doing the inspection in conjunction with the EFL.
19:43 And then, yeah, the match referee turned up and was like, no, you're not playing on that.
19:47 It was absolute farce. I mean, I was with some friends last night and one of them is he does his own football podcast and that.
19:56 And he was saying just because I was with him when the news came in and he just said they just the authorities just do not care about the fans.
20:03 They don't take them into consideration whatsoever. And the Peterborough statement was quite interesting.
20:09 They said the football club requested a pitch inspection at 12 over concerns playing surface
20:14 and the EFL arranged for an official to come to the stadium.
20:18 And then again, the same official inspected the pitch at two thirty and deemed the pitch playable.
20:23 The match referee then on arrival expressed his concerns and then just decided to call the game.
20:28 So you have to question what was going on in those conversations with the local referee and the EFL kind of thing.
20:35 I know they want to get these games played, but you don't want to be.
20:38 I mean, all it takes is a quick turn in that twisted ankles. People plays out for the season.
20:45 ACLs on a hard surface, getting your foot stuck on the ridiculous that it was even considered.
20:50 And yeah, I've seen a couple of pictures of Scott Lindsay at the ground.
20:54 He does not look happy and I'm hoping to speak to him today to get his reaction for it.
20:58 So we'll see what he has to say about it.
21:01 Well, speaking of Scott Lindsay, I think I'm correct in saying that this week marks his one year anniversary at Crawley Town.
21:06 It's today, January the 11th, is the year anniversary.
21:12 And yeah, we've done a big interview in this week's Crawley Observer with him and it's going online today as well.
21:18 And a video interview as well about his time and how proud he is of what he's achieved at the club.
21:23 And he should be very proud because to be where they are now from where they were at this point last year is chalk and cheese.
21:29 It's amazing.
21:30 Very quickly, Mark, Salford at home on Saturday for Crawley.
21:34 They've got a new boss, ex-Charlton and Oxford manager, Carl Robinson.
21:39 How do you see this one going? I've not really been following Salford, but they normally quite high flying and their league standing is that a little bit deceptive.
21:46 I think they're fourth from bottom. Is that right? Yeah, they're really struggling.
21:49 And yeah, they're one of those teams because they've obviously got the class of 92 or whatever.
21:56 Sorry, not 92 at all, is it? Or is it? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
21:59 Sorry. They've got loads of money and they're always predicted to be up there sort of challenging for promotion, play-offs and that.
22:05 I think they've got the play-offs once or twice, but yeah, they always seem to seem to underachieve.
22:11 And this year they've been awful. And yeah, I mean, Crawley should go into this game thinking they should be able to carry on their unbeaten run in the league in 2024.
22:20 Yeah, I can't see anything other than a Crawley winner. Touchwood. We will see.
22:25 We will see. Quickly going to score predictions. Only one game for us to predict this week.
22:31 It's Crawley against Salford. So, Mark, you're pretty confident of a Crawley win.
22:34 How do you see it going? Three nil Crawley. Danny Lowe also getting another brace.
22:39 Sprinting past Mbappe in that score, is it? Sam Morton, you agree, Mark? Crawley win?
22:47 Yeah, I'll go for two nil Crawley. Yeah, I think Crawley will win this one. As Mark says, Salford is really struggling.
22:51 So, yeah, two nil Crawley. Darren, are we going for a clean sweep of Crawley wins?
22:56 I am, yeah. The push continues for the play-offs. Yeah, I think I'll go with a two nil as well.
23:02 I think I'll join Sam with a two nil. Excellent. Well, we'll see.
23:05 Well, before we wrap up, we'd like to extend our best of luck to Horsham, who play Peterborough Sports on Saturday in the FA Trophy.
23:12 It is their first ever match in the last 32 of the competition. Best of luck to the Hornets.
23:17 You can see all the reaction next week at sussexworld.co.uk/sport.
23:21 Well, thank you very much for joining us this week, chaps.
23:24 You can catch up with all the latest sports news covering everything we've talked about today at sussexworld.co.uk.
23:28 And you can watch more excellent videos on shotstv.com and Freeview channel 276.
23:33 Thank you very much for listening and we will see you all next week.
23:36 Thank you.
23:38 Cheers.
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