Three wins on the trot and some Albion fans have started to mention the play offs again. It’s funny how quickly a season can turn around.

Just a few weeks ago with the Seagulls just a few points above the relegation zone and without a goal in four games and just one goal in January in total people were starting to worry and rightly so.

So what has change since then?

Well one massive factor in the turn around of the clubs fortunes is the arrival of striker Bas Savage. The former Gillingham striker’s arrival may not have excited many Albion fans at the time who saw his poor goal scoring record before joining the club.

But he has won the fans over since then with a string of hard working displays that have transformed our recent form. Before joining the Seagulls Savage had scored just 2 goals in his career to date, a tally he has already matched for the Albion in just 5 appearances with his latest goal coming in Albion’s 1-0 win over Gillingham.

Another key to Albion’s turn around is fellow new arrival French midfielder Alexis Bertin who signed on a free transfer from French club Le Havre.

In a similar mould to Chelsea’s Claude Makelele Bertin has been used in a defensive midfielder position by Albion manager Dean Wilkins as part of a midfield diamond formation. At the other end of the diamond formation is another new arrival Nick Ward from QPR.

Although Ward has perhaps not impressed as much as Bertin he has still played his part including Albion’s 2nd goal in the 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest.

All this has been built on top of a solid defence with Guy Butters and Joel Lynch both in top form with Michel Kuipers behind them in goal giving the back four an air of confidence that perhaps was missing with Wayne Henderson.

Before thoughts turn towards the plays offs, which still remain very much an outside possibility, the club must secure the 50 points required to confirm League One football for next season. A win against Bristol City on Saturday will leave Albion just two points off that target and will further fuel the dream of a late charge to the plays offs. Although promotion is unlikely this season it doesn’t do any harm to dream!

Added on Thursday, February 22nd, 2007 at 1:28 pm under Features by Wilka.