Brighton fans hail Hughton and Bloom ahead of FA Cup semi-final

The BoxPark fanzone at Wembley saw Albion fans congregate before their first appearance at the national stadium in 36 years.

Ahead of the historic tie, Seagulls supporters hailed the work of Hughton and Bloom for turning the clubs fortunes around.

Matt, from Canterbury, said: "Tony Bloom has been an absolute God-send and Chris Hughton has been fantastic since he's come in.

"We were teetering on the edge of the Championship and he's done such a fantastic job. I can't fault him really.

"It's a testament to how much work has been put in by everyone.

Paul, from Battle, was at Albion's do-or-die match at Hereford in 1997 that saw them preserve their status in the Football League with a 1-1 draw.

He said: "I was there at Hereford on that fateful day and to get a 1-1 draw was just amazing.

"But I had no idea that, 26 years later, we'd be here today at Wembley.

"I'm mega excited. It's been a long time since 1983 so the wait's been a long time. I'm looking forward to it."

Ethan, also from Battle, added: "The club means so much to me. I've never seen Brighton get this far in the cup.

"I'm so looking forward to it. It's my first time at Wembley so it's going to be great."

David, from Hove, was present the last time Brighton were in a cup final back in 1983.

After drawing 2-2 with Manchester United the Seagulls came unstuck in the replayed final, losing 4-0.

He said: "I was at the cup final at 83 for both games when I lived back in London and it's brilliant to be back here.

"To be back at the national stadium for the semi-final is really good. It shows how far we've come under Hughton and Tony Bloom. It's perfect."

Ashley, from Crawley, said: "Since Hughton and Tony Bloom have come in the club have gone from strength-to-strength.

"Our league form has not been great but this cup run has been brilliant.

"I'm very excited. It's been 36 years too long a wait."