We suspected it would happen for all or most of the season.

Yes, we had our nervous moments as Fulham won at Liverpool.

But we were pretty confident for a little once the Seagulls beat Southampton, then Newcastle.

And we know for sure now that Albion are staying up.

The Seagulls secured a fifth season in the top flight with three games to go.

That beats the four years they had in the old First Division when they last mingled with the elite, between 1979 and 1983.

Thoughts now will gradually turn to what happens next season.

Fans will be back, there will be new faces and, one suspects some of those who were familiar figures in the first two years at this level will have moved on.

So what happens in the 2021-22 Premier League campaign?

Apart from who should be in the squad, who they should sign, who they should let go (we will do that all at length at other times – and have indeed already started) here are a few thoughts on what to look out for.

1. STAY UP AGAIN

That has to be the first and most fundamental objective.

It cannot be taken for granted and one suspects Norwich and Watford will be better next season than they were last.

At least they got rid of three of their bogey teams from this term in Fulham, West Brom and Sheffield United.

Thank goodness Leeds, Newcastle and Liverpool stayed up!

2. SAVOUR THE GOOD BITS

Given Albion’s history, there is a case to suggest every win in the Premier League should be celebrated in style.

That can be successes over Arsenal or Tottenham or even one of the more routine wins.

I’m thinking back to scraping past depleted Watford 1-0 in the first season or the 2-0 versus Norwich last term.

Okay, don’t expect to see dancing in the streets or fans hanging out of car windows waving flags every time three points are collected.

This isn’t Buenos Aires. Lewes Road isn’t the Boulevard Michelet in Marseille.

But I am sure, in a quieter way, Albion fans will appreciate the achievement of a win in the Premier League. Any win.

3. COME TOGETHER AS ONE

All around the country we are starting to see reports of fans showing great enthusiasm to be back.

Albion supporters used to have a great affinity with their squad, built through the promotion-chasing seasons and those two years asserting themselves in the Prem.

Some of the key figures (and the best songs) have gone now or lost their places in the side – Bruno, Maty Ryan, Shane Duffy, Steve Sidwell, Glenn Murray, Dale Stephens.

Albion have become a team you watch on TV.

The vast majority of fans have never seen Danny Welbeck, Adam Lallana, Ben White, Robert Sanchez, Tariq Lamptey, Jakub Moder, Alexis Mac Allister and one or two others in the blue and white.

The relationship has changed.

One hopes the feel at the Amex at the start of next season will be similar to that ten years ago, in those first games in Falmer.

But the players and fans need to get to know each other. And, as important, understand each other.

4. POINT(S) IN MANCHESTER

Albion have picked up points in Liverpool and London, they have that first ever win at Villa Park.

Yes, a win at Villa with fans there will be even better. Same for success at Anfield.

Or getting some sort of result at Chelsea in front of packed stands.

Albion have often given a great account of themselves at Old Trafford but never secured anything tangible.

With Manchester now the capital of English football in terms of Prem positions and Euro finals, a point or three would make the tram ride back to Picadilly seem special.

5. UNDERSTAND THAT “TOP TEN” TARGET

When Albion talk about a top-ten goal, they don’t mean finishing tenth once. It’s a long-term thing.

If it does happen, it might be they drop out at some stage and have a season in 12th or 13th, then go back to the top half.

If top ten does not happen next season, then maybe a realistic target – and still a tough one – might be to win more than they lose at home.

You don’t get medals for that but it would feel like a step forward.

6. BEAT PALACE UNDER POTTER

Enough said. How it hasn’t happened already beggars belief.