Expert season review: 'Short and sweet - but it was a blast'

Well it was a blast - short and sweet - but Roberto de Zerbi's time at Brighton is over.

His final season, which started with five wins in six games, faded away to an 11th placed finish with one victory in the last 10 matches, scoring just five goals. However, that doesn't really tell the whole story.

Lessons were swiftly learnt in their maiden European campaign, finally finishing top of a group which included teams brimming with pedigree.

The comeback at Marseille was a pivotal moment and the win against the French side at Amex Stadium was certainly a highlight. The 4-0 defeat in Rome hurt De Zerbi more than anyone, particularly as it was in his home country against fellow Italian Daniele de Rossi.

However, tensions began to grow from January.

A significant and sustained injury list began to take its toll. Key players such as Kaoru Mitoma, Solly March and Jack Hinshelwood were ruled out for the season. Joao Pedro, Julio Enciso and Danny Welbeck were missing for long periods.

The Italian wanted to push on in terms of recruitment but the club would not, and probably never will, deviate from its successful model.

A parting of ways was not surprising and speculation of other jobs and public comments gave a few clues as to what was to come, but the send-off he received on the final day showed how much the fans appreciated what he delivered.

His attractive style of play drew admirers from all areas of the game. It was not without its faults, but football is never perfect. If it was, it would not be such fun.

Off the pitch, the club has recorded record profits and the search for a replacement manager is underway, but targets will have been assessed long before De Zerbi's departure. It is just the way Brighton and Hove Albion work.

Succession planning has underpinned their recent success and it will once again be the foundation for an unprecedented eighth season in the top-flight.