Norman Cook has dipped into his pockets for a second time to help Brighton and Hove Albion.

The DJ, better known as Fatboy Slim, confirmed to The Argus he had increased his shareholding in the club.

Sources suggested his cash injection was partly prompted by concerns about covering the club's December wage bill.

The Hove-based Seagulls fan said: "It was to keep things ticking over."

The Argus revealed in September 2002 how Norman had spent £500,000 to become one of the club's leading shareholders.

It gave him 11 per cent of the shares in Albion's holding company. The club is also sponsored by his record label Skint.

He insisted on Friday his latest investment was "a private matter" and refused to disclose how much he had spent or how many new shares were involved.

But he said it was not a "significantly" higher stake than he had previously given.

Norman said: "I've just put in a little injection, just to keep things ticking over. It's not something I want to make a big deal of. It's private."

Norman previously described his first £500,000 stake in the club as "the most expensive parking space in history".

He told The Argus his only demand in return for investing was a place to park at Withdean because he was so bad at getting to matches earlier than five minutes before kick-off.

He also joked: "It was blackmail really. Dick Knight Albion's chairman took me out to lunch and said we're going to have to sell Bobby Zamora unless someone puts a load of money in the club."

Norman's involvement formed part of a £4.5 million restructuring of the club's shares after the buy-out of former chairman Bill Archer in February 2002.

Mr Knight yesterday said he was delighted with the extra money and paid tribute to a "genuine fan".

He said: "Norman is a big Albion fan and he and I are friends. We are always talking about the club and he likes what we are trying to achieve, not only on the field but off it as well.

"That is why he has helped us before and we he has helped us again.

"The details are a private matter but let's just say Norman has a big heart and we are very grateful."

Mr Knight said the money was useful but not essential in keeping Albion afloat.

He said: "It is a matter of record that the high costs of Withdean and the public inquiry are a drain on the club's resources.

"All the time the team is playing in front of a limited capacity it is a strain and that is why we need a new stadium.

"If Norman had not made his pledge the club would have continued to run as normal."