Lewis Dunk swapped top flight football for a night of Premier League darts this week – but still found himself the centre of attention among Brighton and Hove Albion supporters.
One of those was supporter Ben Miller, who shared a selfie from outside the venue – along with a story that underlined Dunk’s enduring connection with the club’s fanbase.
“It was the first time I’d bumped into him since the Withdean days, when I was 12-years-old,” said Ben, who went to the darts dressed as a seagull.
“He’s still just as down to earth.”
Dunk, 34, watched Luke Littler and co, alongside a few friends, including Brighton kit manager Alex ‘Buzz’ Burrows.
"He told me how much he was looking forward to the darts,” Ben said, as he travelled on the train to Turf Moor, via Manchester.
"He’s such a nice bloke, who has time for everyone.”
Lewis Dunk swapped top flight football for a night of Premier League darts this week – but still found himself the centre of attention among Brighton and Hove Albion supporters. Photo: Ben Millerplaceholder image
Lewis Dunk swapped top flight football for a night of Premier League darts this week – but still found himself the centre of attention among Brighton and Hove Albion supporters. Photo: Ben Miller
Dunk, who first joined the Albion academy as a teenager in 2003, has gone to make more than 500 appearances for the Sussex club. He led them through their rise into the Premier League and has helped them become a mainstay in the top flight.
The defender – who has six senior international appearances for England – also skippered the Albion team during their historic season in the Europa League in 2023/24.
Off the pitch, he is known to enjoy the more relaxed surroundings of a darts night.
Ben Miller, dressed as a seagull, held up a sign at the darts, calling for Brighton striker Danny Welbeck to be picked for England's World Cup squad. (Photo contributed)placeholder image
Ben Miller, dressed as a seagull, held up a sign at the darts, calling for Brighton striker Danny Welbeck to be picked for England's World Cup squad. (Photo contributed)
It read: “Hurzeler out, out, in, in, out, in.”
This was seen as a subtle dig at some Brighton fans who were calling for Hurzeler’s dismissal following their 7-0 Premier League defeat at Nottingham Forest the previous month.
Hurzeler saw the funny side of the jokey sign.
He said: “I was not there cheering for Luke Littler but I’m a big fan of this sport and I’ve (been) already to the Ally Pally and follow how they’re playing.
"I'm always happy if the players relax together and do things together, I think darts is a great social event for having fun together.
“I saw some pictures and videos today in the morning and I’m happy we have this social bond in this team, not only with players, but some staff members were there as well and enjoyed the evening.
"That’s what we need to create here, this social bond between each other, this togetherness.
"You can’t create it by artificial events, you do it by natural evenings by having one, two, three, four beers and having a good mood.
"Therefore, I’m happy that the players enjoyed it and the staff members who were there.”
Dunk seemingly took a more low-key approach at the darts this year, but his encounter with adoring fans reinforces why the centre-back remains such a popular figure – approachable, grounded, and unchanged despite years at the top level.
Even on a night away from football, Albion’s skipper showed he is never too far from the people who have followed his journey from the Withdean to the Premier League.
Why is Dunk not playing at Burnley?
Brighton will be without their captain as they take on relegation-destined Burnley.
Dunk picked up up his tenth booking of the season last time out against Liverpool and serves a two-match ban.
Dunk's absence will likely see another chance for French defender Olivier Boscagli, who has been used sparingly this term following his free transfer arrival from PSV.
Hurzeler said: "I always said through the whole season, the players will get their chance.
"They just have to make sure they're ready when the chance is there, and now the opportunity is there.
"Lewis will be suspended for two games and that means there are opportunities for others and that's what football is about.
"It's about working hard, it's about accepting the role in the right moment.
"You need to be there, you need to use your chance, and now others will get the chance, and now it's about using this chance."
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