Brighton’s golden oldies could carry them to Europe, but what comes next? | OneFootball

Brighton’s senior core have reassembled at the season’s sharp end, with James Milner’s pre match rondo before the 3-0 win over Wolves underlining their value. The 40-year-old is back for Sunday’s return to Leeds United.

Milner set the Premier League appearances record with his 654th game in a 2-0 win at Brentford, then started three more before a March muscle injury after beating Liverpool 2-1. He returned to the squad.

“They are really important for the team,” said winger Yankuba Minteh. “They already have the experience.” He told The Athletic after scoring the third against Wolves.

Solly March and Joel Veltman joined the subs’ drill, with Danny Welbeck, Lewis Dunk and Pascal Gross starting and Jason Steele among the replacements. Adam Webster, out since a July ACL in Spain, was the only thirtysomething absent. March and Veltman are out of contract in June, and Veltman has eight league starts, overlooked at right-back against Wolves.

Welbeck made his 250th Premier League start against Wolves and has extended to 2027, Steele earned an England call-up in March, Dunk, 34, headed the second goal on his return from suspension and is contracted to 2027, and Gross, 34, has been a January mainstay to 2027. Depending on results against Leeds and Manchester United on 24 May, Brighton could reach the Champions League, Europa League or Europa Conference League, or miss out. Milner’s next step, continue or move towards coaching, is undecided as he revisits Elland Road, where he debuted in 2002 aged 16.

Source: NY Times