Brighton is noted for holding two contrasting Premier League records.

When James Milner debuted in the Premier League, his manager was just nine years old—not his current manager, Fabian Hurzeler, who is impressively young, but earlier managers like Terry Venables and Bobby Robson. Over his career, Milner has worked with managers born in every decade from the 1930s to the 1990s, missing only the 1980s to complete the set, a testament to his remarkable longevity.

Milner has competed against older players like David Seaman and alongside younger teammates who could be his children, with the possibility of future teammates being young enough to be his grandchildren. Despite aging, Milner continues to excel, recently becoming the first player to appear in 23 Premier League seasons. With 636 appearances, he’s close to surpassing Gareth Barry’s record. His current manager, seven years his junior, praises Milner not only for his skill but for his leadership and dedication.

Milner’s performance is characterized by reliability rather than flair, and his adaptability has seen him play various roles throughout his career. Despite the changes in football and management, Milner’s consistency remains a constant, even as new, younger managers like Hurzeler bring fresh perspectives to the game.