Match Reports

Well, if this is what you get from a modern stadium, call Bob the Builder asap.

OK, the capacity would be utterly inadequate for a club of Newcastle United’s size. The location, nearer to Lewes than Hove, is as far removed geographically from Brighton as I am emotionally, but the stadium is first class.

A spacious outdoor fanzone next to the turnstiles, only three minutes’ walk from Falmer railway station, is a great way to compensate for the rural surroundings.

There’s not a pub or even a street in sight, excluding the A27 wannabe motorway.

Hundreds of early arrivals tucked into food and drink while watching Chelsea do a number on Forest. Farewell, Ange, you were just too big for the big league.

The refreshments are reasonably priced compared with most urban bars and I couldn’t fault the match-day special, Cumberland sausages and Boston beans; hot, tasty and a generous portion for £8.

Apologies if these seem to be the musings of a football tourist but, hey, that’s the way of the world today.

The tip-up 30,000 seats, all blue and all with proper padding, were more comfortable than in the Festival Theatre at...