Brighton & Hove Albion welcome West Ham United to the American Express Stadium on Saturday as leaders of the top-flight table for the first time in their history.
Despite the sale of more of their top players this summer, including the reported British record fee of £115million for midfielder Moises Caicedo, Roberto De Zerbi has guided Brighton to first place with eight goals scored.
See: How Brighton have sold their stars and continued to progress
Things are looking rosy for the club off the pitch as well. A recent economic report has found that Brighton contributed £595million to the local economy during 2022/23.
This included £327m of direct income, £26m spent by visitors, £20m spent on goods and services in Brighton & Hove by club employees, and a further £222m of brand and media value to the local economy, with the club greatly increasing the city’s profile around the world.
The report added that the club's first foray into European football in the UEFA Europa Conference League will add a further £80m to this season's total.
"Last year alone, we contributed nearly £600m to the local economy," said Brighton CEO Paul Barber.
See: 'Brighton show what a well-run club can achieve'
"That's in people spending money in restaurants, hotels and bars and shops, people visiting the city as a whole, so a significant impact on the local economy.
"So the club now is firmly established as a very important part of of the south coast."
'Everybody should have the chance to play football'
Ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, Brighton showcased their work off and on the pitch at the Premier League’s Season Launch.
Among the participants were members of Brighton’s disability football team, who spoke about the positive impact the Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation has made to their lives.
"What Brighton is doing for disabled people, especially with the blind football, it’s amazing," said Cyril Thomas. "The facilities that we’ve got to train at and the encouragement [too]."
For Kate Hewson, whose son Charlie became an amputee in 2011 after cancer, the Foundation has offered an opportunity for him to stay actively involved playing the game he loves.
"He played regular football up until he was about eight or nine and then we got introduced to amputee football through Brighton. He hasn't looked back since," said Kate.
"Everybody should have the chance to play football, regardless if they've got a disability or not. It's really important for their physical ability, for the mental health, everything."
