Norman Cook, the Albion and politicians have paid tribute as they remember John Prescott helping them realise the dream of creating the Amex.

Though many may know him as a key figure of Sir Tony Blair’s New Labour project, across Sussex Mr Prescott is celebrated as helping to usher in the “new era of Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club”.

John Prescott speaking at the AITC in the Amex, from left: Peter Kyle, Nancy Platts and Martin Perry (Image: The Argus) Martin Perry, former chief executive of Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club, has paid tribute saying: “Lord Prescott was a key player in our fight for planning permission for the Amex. 

"I was fortunate enough to meet him on several occasions and what struck me most was that he was able to get to the key issue almost immediately. 

“In our case he understood from the very start the beneficial impact the Stadium would have on the local community not just in terms of the economic impact and jobs created but also the Social benefits that it would deliver through the work of what was then called AITC.

“And having seen just how huge these benefits were he then fought tirelessly on our behalf to cut through the planning red-tape to make sure it was delivered.  Throughout his life he fought to improve the lives of ordinary people and would be so proud of the impact that the Amex is having on the lives of people living in Brighton and Hove.

“My abiding memory of him will be when he dropped in during construction of the stadium while on an election campaign trail in the South of England. He left with his loudspeaker blaring out preaching the benefits of the stadium!

“Thank you John may you Rest in Peace.”

Delivering petitions for the Amex stadium to Number 10 From left: Lord Steve Bassam, Des Lynam, Paul Samrah, Norman Cook, Tim Carder, Mary Emery an Liz Costa. (Image: The Argus) Lord Bassam of Brighton, who served as leader of the council in Brighton and Hove from 1987 to 1999 , also paid tribute to the "Brilliant minister".

He said: “A brilliant minister and deputy prime minister. A visionary who was key to Labour's success in government.

“His communities plan was inspired. He understood the need to build homes for young families and place making.

“I was in his team for several years and was really impressed by his ability to master detail and retain an overall vision, he was remarkable.

“One of his great strengths was his ability to involve people and make them feel relevant.

“He could read a room better than most. On a local level he understood regeneration strategies and their value.

“Brighton and Hove will forever be grateful for his support for our football stadium. He understood the benefits to the city it would bring … and he wasn’t wrong.

“Witness BHAFC’s success and the impact it has had on the community it serves bringing jobs and opportunities for all to our unique city by the sea.

“Without John’s backing we would not have had the terrific club we have today. He truly understood the power of football.

“Canvassing with him in Hove was an experience as he was mobbed by enthusiastic football fans wanting to meet him. We won’t see his like again, he was a great character to work with and inspiring to know.'

Celebrating the approval for the Amex From Left: Paul Samrah, Norman Cook and Martin Perry (Image: The Argus) Avid Albion supporter and superstar DJ Norman Cook, alias Fatboy Slim, was instrumental in convincing John Prescott to grant approval for the Amex in 2005, when Mr Prescott was deputy prime minister.

In a tribute Norman told The Argus: "Let us rejoice and remember John Prescott, one of my favourite politicians.

"He helped the right people, upset the right people and punched the right people.

"Especially loved for allowing us the Amex stadium. Rest in peace, JP. X"

Norman was referencing the moment Craig Evans threw an egg at Lord Prescott, who had just got off his campaign bus, the Prescott Express, to speak at a Labour Party general election rally in Wales in May 2001. Ex-boxer Lord Prescott instinctively turned and punched the farming protester and an unseemly brawl broke out – all captured by TV cameras.

Labour MP Chris Ward for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven also paid tribute.

He said: "John was a hero of the Labour movement and a real inspiration.

"He'll also always have a special place in the heart of Albion fans as the person who finally said yes to Falmer."

Another fellow Labour MP Peter Kyle for Hove and Portslade, shared his fond memories of Lord Prescott, he said: "John will be sadly missed.

"He was a one-off who could communicate with residents like few politicians can.

"I remember he brought the famous “battle bus” to Hangleton in 1997 and I joined him there.

"The warmth and affinity the community had for him was strong then and remained strong over his illustrious career.

"If I can emulate John’s no-nonsense, straight-talking approach to life I’ll be a happy man.”