2015–16 Brighton &amp; Hove Albion F.C. season2015–16 Brighton &amp; Hove Albion F.C. season 2015–16 Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. season The 2015–16 season is Brighton & Hove Albion 114th year in existence and fifth consecutive season in the Championship. Along with competing in the Championship, the club will also participate in the FA Cup and League Cup. The season covers the period from 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016. Brighton enjoyed a much improved season after narrowly avoiding relegation the season prior, finishing an impressive 3rd place in the Championship table below Middlesbrough only on an inferior goal difference of two goals. Brighton only lost five games throughout the entire season, a feat matched  by champions Burnley who only finished with four more points than Brighton. The season began in spectacular fashion for Brighton, where they embarked on a 21 game unbeaten run that saw them occupy an automatic promotion place for much of the first half of the season. However, they would then lose four out of their five following games, dropping out of the top two and only sporadically occupying second place throughout the season, fighting a fierce contest with promotion rivals Hull City, Derby County, Middlesbrough and Burnley. After this mid-season dip in form, Brighton would only lose one more  game throughout the rest of the season, and went into the final game of the Championship season away at second-placed Middlesbrough level on points with them but behind them on goal difference, knowing only a win would secure automatic promotion. The two teams drew 1–1, and Brighton finished the season in a play-off position instead. A third play-off campaign for the Seagulls in four seasons ensued, however it would again end in defeat at the semi-final stage for a third time, as Brighton lost 3–1 on aggregate over two legs against Sheffield Wednesday. Transfers. Transfers in . Total outgoing: £5,750,000 Pre-season. Friendlies. On 5 May 2015, Brighton & Hove Albion announced four pre-season friendlies, Away to Lewes on 18 July 2015, Away to Crawley Town on 22 July 2015, Away to Aberdeen on 26 July 2015 and Away to Gillingham on 29 July 2015. On 25 May 2015, Brighton & Hove Albion announced they will face 2015 Europa League finalists Sevilla at home on 2 August 2015. On 23 June 2015, Brighton & Hove albion announced Swiss opposition for 11 July 2015. Competitions. Championship. Matches. On 17 June 2015, the fixtures for the forthcoming season were announced . FA Cup. Brighton & Hove Albion entered the FA Cup in the third round, which was drawn on 7 December 2015. Brighton were drawn away against Hull City. League Cup. On 16 June 2015, the first round draw was made, Brighton & Hove Albion were drawn away against Southend United. In the second round, Brighton were drawn away to Walsall. 2015–16 Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. season The 2015–16 season is Brighton & Hove Albion 114th year in existence and fifth consecutive season in the Championship. Along with competing in the Championship, the club will also participate in the FA Cup and League Cup