Harty on the Albion and Gus Poyet

Today (Thursday), arrives with, hopefully, the possibility of an outcome, but then again it’s almost like we’ve said that every day for the last fortnight.

It’s probably a testament to how far the club has progressed and, perhaps more significantly how society as a whole operates today, when the future of the current Albion boss is allegedly being decided by lawyers and HR consultants, instead of people more concerned with the well being of Brighton & Hove Albion FC.

Personally, I want him and his management team to stay. But, despite whispers of a possible reconciliation, I’ve realised now that’s not going to happen.

Unfortunately, the Gus Bus will be departing the Amex terminus very soon, for the last time. I do hope that when, and if, he ever returns as manager of a visiting club, he is accorded the respect he deserves by the Albion faithful.

Despite this farcical situation, I have no doubt that Tony Bloom has the Albion’s best interests at heart and will, like a chess grand master, know exactly what his next move will be after Poyet leaves.

The Albion rocked football in 1973 when arguably one of the greatest managers this country has ever produced, Brian Clough, joined the club. To a lesser extent, they did something along the same lines 20 years later when Liam Brady arrived at the Goldstone.

Even when things were going well in the last season at the Withdean, I wrote in these jottings that the next appointment after Poyet would potentially be the most important in the club’s history.

I have not changed that view, and it comes somewhat out of left field, as happened with both Clough and Brady, and I would like to see Dennis Bergkamp recruited from his assistant manager’s post at Ajax, as, to my mind, he ticks all the boxes to take the Albion to the next level.

Could Chatsmore RC High’s Brad House be the first Worthing born-and-bred footballer to grace the Premier League?

Goalkeeper Brad, son of former Rebels and United keeper Paul House, started up at Lyons Way at under-seven, before being signed by Portsmouth.

Sadly, things didn’t work out at Pompey but, perhaps an example to all the local youngsters let go by professional clubs, Brad returned to United, worked hard and last year was rewarded with a place at the Arsenal under-14 academy.

Twice weekly midweek trips with his dad to Walthamstow have clearly paid off as yesterday (Wednesday), he flew out to Singapore with his Gunners squad to compete for the next 13 days in the Canon Lion City Cup.

Then, after the summer break, he will move up to North London on a two-year contract, including both education and training, as part of the club’s Elite Player Performance Plan.

It’s thoroughly deserved, and a step closer to that all-important professional contract.

Then again, if I’ve missed a Worthing born-and-bred player playing in the top flight since its inception in 1992, I will, as always, stand corrected . . .