Two regional dailies marked the start of the football season with extended sport coverage as their local teams returned to England’s top league for the first time in decades.

The Huddersfield Daily Examiner and Brighton daily The Argus celebrated Premier League bows for Huddersfield Town and Brighton & Hove Albion respectively.

The Argus splashed this morning on a “day to remember” after Albion recorded the highest attendance at their new stadium on Saturday, although they lost 2-0 to Manchester City.

Meanwhile, the Examiner sought to focus on the stories and opinions of Town’s supporters, and recently launched a football podcast as well as holding a Q&A event with a panel featuring the newspaper’s sports writers and former Huddersfield players Kieran O’Regan and Rob Edwards.

After beating Crystal Palace 3-0 on Saturday, Town topped the league for 24 hours – a fact mentioned by the Examiner on today’s front page.

Huddersfield last played in England’s top division 45 years ago, while Albion were last there 34 years ago, meaning neither had played in the rebranded Premier League, launched in 1992.

Examiner editor Wayne Ankers said: “It has been an incredible last few months and it got even better on Saturday. We have centred our news coverage on the fans and our sports coverage has led the way from being out in Austria with the training camp to our front page on Monday heralding the fact that Town – albeit for just 24 hours – topped the Premier League.

“There is such a buzz around the town thanks to the achievements of David Wagner and the team and everyone at the Examiner – even some of those closet Leeds fans – are right behind the club. And that buzz will only continue as we head towards the first home game on Saturday.”

Inside today’s edition, The Argus also devoted pages two and three to fans’ experiences of Saturday’s match, and produced a special eight-page pullout.

Ahead of Saturday’s match, its masthead was also decorated with pictures of Seagulls in reference to Albion’s nickname.

Newsquest South London and Sussex group managing editor Andrew Parkes said: “The city has been blue and white ever since the moment the Seagulls were promoted and nothing was so eagerly anticipated at the start of the new season.

“It’s had an unbelievable effect on everyone locally – the way it has boosted the whole area is incredible. And, as the season progress I’m sure we will see even more benefits flow into the city. Here’s wishing Albion fantastically successful seasons in the Premier League both this year and next.”