Brighton and Hove Albion have drawn a mixed response from supporters after the club's appeal for £2.3 million.

The Argus revealed yesterday that chairman Dick Knight was asking supporters for donations to stave off a cash crisis.

Those pledging £250 will have their name on a seat should the proposed Falmer stadium go ahead while £100 donors will enter a prize draw for a lifelong season ticket.

The club's financial woes were blamed on ex-chairman Bill Archer and his board, replaced by Mr Knight and his team seven years ago.

Adrian Newnham, an Albion season ticket-holder who led the Bring Home the Albion campaign, said: "It's nothing short of a miracle that having had seven years of unprecedented success, fans haven't before been asked to put money into the club.

"Withdean is not financially viable and this highlights the gap between income and outgoings of a club at this level."

Simon Tipple, 19, from Saltdean, said: "I'm a student but I'll be donating. Fans have always put their hands in their pockets when needed."

Radio presenter Ian Hart, who helped run the Forty Note Fund which raised £32,000 to pay some players' wages, said: "I will be donating and I will be asking my 25,000 listeners to do the same."

Tim Carder, chairman of the Brighton and Hove Albion Supporters' Club, said: "If there are any supporters who would be willing to make a substantial investment in return for shares, I hope they will come forward in the next few weeks as a result of this appeal. Share ownership is something I would like to see extended."

One fan who will not be contributing is Mike Middleton, who also helped run the Forty Note Fund.

He said: "I paid about £900 for two season tickets and that's more than some northern Premiership clubs charge. I had to pay that money in March. It seems the Albion are spending the money before they get it."

Supporters can make donations using the form on thisisthealbion.co.uk or on the club's official web site at www.seagulls.co.uk