Brighton and Hove Albion’s chief executive Paul Barber wrote about the club’s old Withdean stadium in his programme notes before the team’s game against Burnley on August 24.

I found his remarks about Withdean quite insulting. He talked about the running track, the food at £58 per head (not all the time I went) and the 170 staff (all capable of doing their jobs) as opposed to 1,200 now.

He also wrote, “I’ve heard talk of some supporters choosing to eat outside of our stadium. To be honest, I’m not sure why.”

This is why: two seasons and three award-winning catering companies later and we’re now up to £94.80 for fine dining – still far above what the average fan is prepared to pay for a matchday meal.

My frustration is shared by friends in the 1901 Club, where Albion fans can have a sit-down meal – not to be confused with corporate hospitality.

We did not go to Withdean through choice but out of necessity. We got wet and sat a long way from the pitch but we ate meals at sensible prices, including half a bottle of wine, in our portacabins, all looking forward to life at the Amex.

No one can dispute we have a fantastic stadium thanks to the efforts of Dick Knight and Tony Bloom.

What I don’t like is Mr Barber’s inference that if we don’t spend our money on inflated food prices we don’t deserve to get the players to progress to the next level.

Once fans realise they can eat and drink elsewhere for less, it will be difficult to entice them back to the Amex.

I have received a reply from Mr Barber, but feel the club still cannot provide a reasonable meal at a reasonable cost.

Until such time as the club gets its catering act together, I shall not eat at the Amex and I will choose to drink where I like.

Geoffrey Watts, Woodland Drive, Hove