Pattinson: Brighton will not be sucked into another relegation scrap

Poppy Pattinson has vowed Brighton will not be sucked into another relegation battle next season.

The Seagulls managed to avoid the drop last term but still finished a disappointing 11th.

Reflecting on the campaign, left-back Pattinson exclusively told LiveScore: "Obviously it didn't go to plan as we would want but these things happen in football. 

"It was a disappointing season but I think you can see the growth as a team over the season.

"Definitely towards the end of the season. We were still involved in the [relegation] battle but we played a lot better football.

"We came together as a group for each other and ultimately that's why we stayed up.

"The first aim is to finish higher than we did last season. I have no doubt that we will. I'm sure [manager] Melissa Phillips has some plans and as a team we want to be higher up that table.

"Brighton are capable of anything. You can see that within those teams in the middle of the table. You never know you who's going to fly off and who's going to struggle.

"I think we'll come together this season and show everyone what Brighton are about."

Find consistency

The Seagulls have wasted no time in their efforts to improve, with experienced duo Pauline Bremer and Vicky Losada joining this summer.

German international Bremer was a Champions League finalist with Wolfsburg last season, while 2021 Champions League-winning captain Losada added a Serie A title to her brimming trophy collection with Roma.

And Pattinson believes a renewed focus will give Brighton an extra edge in 2023-24.

The England Under-23s international said: "We need more consistency in games. Game to game we need to perform well as a team. 

"I think that was one of our main weakness last season but is definitely something that can be improved easily.

"We have new signings coming in as well. We just need to work hard and get back out on the pitch."

Time to kick on

Pattinson, 23, signed a two-year contract with Brighton after leaving Everton last summer, making 21 WSL appearances in her maiden campaign and providing one assist.

Now she is settled in her new surroundings, she hopes 2023-24 will be the season she starts to really catch the eye.

On her aims for next term, the defender said: "I want to be a key, influential player at Brighton. First season, I was settling in, this season I want to really kick on. 

"I want to thrive in my one-vs-one battles and get forward to make assists. Hopefully I can really influence the team — and see what happens!"

Pattinson will return to face the Toffees in Brighton's first game of the WSL season on October 1.