Tony Bloom is hoping it's third time lucky as Brighton bid to shed their nearly-man tag.

Brighton have suffered play-off semi-final heartaches in the last two seasons.

But the Seagulls chairman insists there will be no hangover as they look to go again under another new manager.

Former Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia is the new man in the hot-seat having replaced Oscar Garcia, who returned to Maccabi Haifa.

"We have full confidence in Sami,” said Bloom. "He played in England for a decade and his enthusiasm and hunger is clear.

"This level holds no fears for him and we are hoping to go one better under him this season."

Brighton are now equipped to take the next step and reach the Premier League.

They regularly fill out the 28,5000 Amex Stadium, have constructed a new training ground and their academy system is flourishing.

"We will get there at one stage,” commented Bloom. "But we are putting the building blocks in place for when we do hopefully make it."

Having recouped £8million with the sale of Leonardo Ulloa to Leicester this summer, Brighton have funds to bolster.

Bloom is chasing new additions and said: "We want to bring in two or players this month.

"It's such a competitive league as everyone knows.

"You would expect the likes of Derby and Norwich to be up there challenging and we feel we can be one of them."