Sid the Seagull hungry for one last bite

BRIGHTON midfielder Steve Sidwell is determined to lift the Championship trophy at his old club Aston Villa.

Sidwell, who spent three seasons at Villa Park between 2008 and 2011, knows victory at his former hunting ground will guarantee the Seagulls the title ahead of Newcastle.

But Brighton have lost both games since clinching promotion – including a shocker against Bristol City last week – so it’s no easy task.

Sidwell said: “We were all disappointed with the way we played against Bristol City.

“It put a dampener on our celebrations, because the lap of honour should have had a trophy. But we have another chance.”

Sidwell (below), who won the second-tier title with Reading in 2006, said: “We knew we had three bites at the cherry to be champions and it doesn’t feel good to have lost two in a row. But we get a third bite now.”

Whatever happens, Sidwell, 34, hopes he has done enough to earn himself a new deal. “I know we can stay in the Premier League – and I want to be involved in that,” he added.

Brighton legend Alan Mullery – the only other Seagulls boss to lead the club to the top division – in 1979 – has praised Chris Hughton. “It was getting a bit lonely being the only manager to have led Brighton to the top flight,” Mullery said. “But now Chris has joined me and will be remembered forever here now. He’s a quiet man but, wherever he’s been, as player, coach or manager, people have only good things to say about him.

“Next year, like 1979, will be a trip into the unknown. You have to learn very quick – but you must also enjoy the ride.”

TEAM NEWS: Jonathan Kodjia is out for Villa after breaking his ankle in the 1-0 defeat against Blackburn last week. Mile Jedinak is also a doubt with a groin problem. Sam Baldock will return to the Brighton squad but Shane Duffy is out with a fractured metatarsal and Connor Goldson remains sidelined.