IT'S not really a case of "I told you so" because the job is not yet done, but there have been many occasions in the past few months when the Albion have looked down and out.
Only the most diehard supporters would have settled with the Albion coming to this Saturday's game at Withdean against Stockport County still with a chance of staying up.
It's actually better than that because the Albion destiny is in their own ha
nds. They do not have to rely on results elsewhere, and a win for Russell Slade's men will guarantee Division One survival.
Where did it all go wrong?
And perhaps more's the question, how has it come right again?Perhaps this week is not the time to answer those two questions. Next week's column certainly is, so next week it is.
This week's match does mark the retirement of long time Albion physio Malcolm Stuart.
Legend, cult, institution, really insert your own word because they all apply to Malc, who has served the club superbly over the years, and deserves to enjoy his retirement years.
Malcolm is not retiring completely because he has taken on a part-time job within football; he is now responsible for taking random urine tests from players at matches and training sessions.
I'll leave readers to make their own gags up; I'll just wish a really genuine bloke a very happy retirement.
Saturday's game also marks another change, as after almost 11 years and over 500 phone-in shows I am hanging up my headphones with BBC Sussex.
I have said many times that supporting the Albion is like riding a rollercoaster, highs and lows, thrills and spills, but I must say that I've enjoyed every minute I've had with the BBC, even the bad times have been good! (That would make a good song) .
It has been a privilege to have worked with so many great people at both the radio station and the football club, but all good things must come to an end.
Just sitting here in front of the computer, it's very difficult to single out events or certain people. Getting promotion from Div 2 at Plymouth in 2001 takes some beating.
We later won the championship and then the following year won another championship. Seeing thousands support the Seagulls at the Millennium Stadium in 2004 also lives in the memory.
I cannot leave without thanking certain people. There are any number I could name at the Albion but specifically I'd like to thank Micky Adams, Charlie Oatway, Sally Townsend, Derek Allan and the Withdean press steward Chris Cannon.
From the radio station, I was virtually "married" to Hawesy for 10 years and we had some great times on the road and a special mention and thank- you must go to station editor Nicci Holliday, who was very supportive and ultimately got Hawesy and I back on air after our "blip" back in October.
I would like to thank anyone who has ever phoned, texted and listened because without you there wouldn't have been a phone-in.
And finally the most important person I'd like to thank is my wife, Susanne, who has put up with the third person in our marriage, the Albion, for over a decade, without ever complaining. (Well maybe once or twice)
It's very much a case of the old and the new this weekend. Whilst the footballers from Hollyoaks are doing their stuff for a very worthy cause at Woodside Road (Sunday, 1pm kick off) arguably one of the finest Sunday league teams Worthing has ever produced, AFC George, are having a reunion at the Hare and Hounds, Portland Road, 3pm kick off on Sunday. All players, officials and supporters are welcome.
-------------------------------------
Click here to go back to Worthing sport. Click here to return to Gazette sport. Click here to go back to Shoreham sport. Where are you? Add your pin to the Herald's international readers' map by clicking here. Email the Herald: steve.bailey@worthingherald.co.uk