1) The relatively little-known Gordon Smith scored Albion’s last top-flight goal in the 2-1 defeat away at Norwich on Saturday 14 May 1983. A week later and for a few days Smith was arguably the most famous player in the world.
2) Super officious referee Clive Thomas took charge for Albion’s last match with Everton on Saturday 9 April 1983. Kevin Sheedy scored twice as the Seagulls lost 2-0 at the Goldstone.
3) On New Year’s Day 1983 Albion striker Michael Robinson hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons after appearing to headbutt Watford keeper Steve Sherwood. TV replays were inconclusive post match. And in more lenient times Robsinson was given just a caution.
4) Albion beat Manchester United 1-0 at the Goldstone in a league match on Saturday 6 November 1982, with Peter Ward scoring the winner. It is the only time that Albion have beaten United in a competitive match.
5) Albion were relegated after failing to beat this tomorrow’s opponents Manchester City at the Goldstone on Saturday 7 May 1983. Kevin Reeves’s goal sealed Albion’s fate. It was also the Seagulls last appearance as a top-flight club on Match of the Day.
