Bloom took over as Brighton chairman in May 2009

Brighton & Hove Albion chairman Tony Bloom is targeting a push for the Premier League after winning promotion to the Championship.

The Seagulls will be playing second tier football when they move into their new Amex Stadium this summer.

Bloom told BBC Sussex: "Next season we will be aiming for the top six. I'm not saying we're going to get there or putting any pressure on.

"We'll be in a fantastic stadium. We'll aim high and see where we get to."

He added: "We've got unbelievable fans who'll make a lot of noise. We hope to sell out or get close to it for every home game."

Bloom has paid tribute to manager Gus Poyet, who transformed the side from League One strugglers into title contenders with the space of 18 months.

"I had great faith in Gus and the team but I didn't expect to be in this position with five games to go," Bloom continued.

"We were hoping for promotion. If we'd finished sixth and gone up through the play-offs we'd have been delighted.

"To do it in this manner and play the football that Gus's team has played is wonderful.

"We've got good times ahead. We've already started planning for next season."

The Brighton job is the former Uruguayan international's first as a manager after several years as an assistant manager, and Poyet thanked Bloom for giving him an opportunity.

"He gave me the chance when we were in relegation places and people thought the best option was someone old with a bit of character and someone who knew the League," Poyet told BBC Sussex.

"It was difficult last year when we had to win games to get away, and we had to convince people to play quality football.

"With all the work last year it became possible to achieve things this year. "At the beginning of the season promotion was a possibility. I just want to thank the chairman."

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