20Questions - Brighton & HA

Hello there, Who are yer and how long have you supported the Albion?
I'm Bob, my first Albion game was on my 9th Birthday. We beat Walsall 1-0 on 28th February 1968

What made you support your club?
Born in Sussex & there's only one club in Sussex!

Whats your favorite away ground and why?
Brentford, pub on every corner!

Whats your proudest moment being a Seagull?
Fans United Day in February 1997. That was during our lowest moments in the struggle against Bill Archer & David Bellotti. We were about 10 points adrift at the bottom of the bottom division in the Football League. Relegation to the Conference would almost certainly result in the Club going out of business. A supporters campaign asked fans of other clubs to come to the Goldstone (RIP) in support of our campaign. wlking around Hove Park before the game if felt like a funeral with messages of support from fans of other clubs. it was an international weekend. Charlton must have brought about 5 coach loads, and there were alien shirts in the North Stand everywhere you looked. There was a tremendous atmosphere at the Ground,

and we beat Hartlepool 5-0.

And the worst?
The next 2 seasons, playing home games 70 miles from Brighton, at Gillingham. Crowds down to just over 1,000 at times.

So who is your main rival?
We hate Palace & Palace & Palace

If Brighton was a Song, what would it be and why?
Without wishing to typecast, probably something by the Pet shop Boys or the Levellers. There's New Age & Gay Communities in the enlightened City of Brighton & Hove

Whats the one thing you would change about your club?
The Ground!!

Who's your all time favorite player and why?
Peter Ward, Brighton Legend. His goals took us from the 3rd Division to the top division between '77 & '79.

Favourite current player in your squad?
Michel Kuipers, has been here through our 3 promotions this decade. only just got back the berth between the sticks. Quality Keeper!

Thoughts on the gaffer?
Dean Wilkins. Got us to the play-off final in '91. Spent the last few years as Youth Team Coach. Now that most of last years team are in the First Team he's got the top job. We've had up to 8 home grown players in the starting line up this Season. Quiet man with strong opinions on how the game should be played. I Hope he succeeds.

What were your realistic hopes for the season?
Mid table would be a good place to finish this Season. Consolidate with this group of players, give them experience, and hopefully push for the Championship in time for getting Falmer!

Who's your strongest / Weakest link?
If you've got a speedy Right Winger it'll be Kerry Mayo!

Any famous fans?
FatBoy Slim
Des Lynam
Jamie Theakston
Leo Sayer!

The big question, latest on the stadium move?
Where to start!! Lewes District Council (the adjacent council to the City of Brighton & Hove) are being real NIMBY's and using every delaying tactic possible. At the moment Ruth Kelly (she's taken over Prescott's responsibilities in this area) is waiting for further submissions from interested parties. These should be in by Mid February. She'll then decide wether or not to have ANOTHER Public enquiry, or she could decide to say YES or NO to the Stadium. If she says YES Lewes DC will still have the right to challenge any decision

So what are these 'postcards' all about on Saturday we're being asked to sign?
Just letting Ruth Kelly know that tere are thousands of people that want this Stadium. I'm sure the humerous theme of the campaign will continue!

Who's your most improved player so far this season do you think?
Dean Cox, a star in last years Youth Team, and now a major playmaker. He's a short lad. You might hear the chants 'We've got Tiny Cox' or 'We've got 5 foot Cox'!!

Home or away games, which do you prefer?
away, without a doubt! There's an atmosphere at Away games, you can see the pitch & there's less chance of getting soaked!

Predicted line up and score for Saturday?
Kuipers
El-Abd, Butters, Lynch, Mayo
Fraser, Hammond, Ward, Cox
Robinson, Gatting

0-0

And finally, meat and tatty pie or steak and kidney?!
Meat & Potato for me please!

Thanks to Bob for his time and good luck after Saturday of course ;-) for the remainder of the season.