Albion's new stadium at Falmer is more important than avoiding relegation, according to the man trying to steer the Seagulls to First Division survival.

Boss Steve Coppell believes a green light for Falmer will transform the club in to one capable of competing in the Premiership.

Without it he says Albion will be a "Second Division club".

Coppell delivered his unequivocal verdict on the day the public inquiry kicks off into Albion's stadium plans.

"For the well being of the club and the area the stadium must take precedence," he said.

"The damage to the team surviving has already been done, because over £2 million has been spent on trying to get the stadium.

"This is the future of the club. The short-term future is First Division survival, the long-term implications are massive.

"If it is passed then all of a sudden it goes into the realms of what I think would be a First Division and Premiership yo-yo club. The increased revenue from the stadium could mean huge investment in the team.

"I think it would be a club fighting to get out of the First Division and then fighting to stay in the Premiership.

"If they stay at Withdean then it doesn't matter where they are, they are a Second Division club, given the size of the stadium and the income that generates. They could have no pretentions to rise above that."

Meanwhile, Coppell has backed the clamour for goal-line technology, providing it is used across the board at all English League games.

Coppell's call comes after controversial incidents at the weekend involving Albion and his old club Crystal Palace.

A linesman decided Bobby Zamora's header crossed the line to give the Seagulls a precious 1-0 win at Bradford on Saturday.

The following day Palace were denied a goal in their 2-1 FA Cup defeat by Leeds, even though TV replays clearly showed Tommy Black's close-range effort crossed the line.

Coppell said: "I am on the side of technology on this one. I certainly don't want to get to a situation where things like off-sides are referred to a TV jury or fourth official, but for a simple thing like crossing the goal-line then why not do it?

"It can be critical, as our game showed and the Palace game showed.

"It should be in place right throughout the four Leagues if it is feasible."

More from the camp at thisisthealbion.co.uk