I appreciate I am in a privileged position to express my opinions in The Argus.
But equally important is the right of reply for readers of this column My e-mail address is incorporated into my photo byline and every week, without fail, I receive messages from readers either taking issue or agreeing with what I have written.
Some are critical, some even abusive. But receiving them is a big part of the overwhelming sense of job satisfaction I get.
Over the months I have touched on a number of issues and as a result received a constant supply of e-mails. As there are a number of recurring themes, I thought I would address some of the points raised by readers.
Why have you done a U-turn over Falmer?
It is well documented that my preferred site for Albion's stadium was the former cement works at Upper Beeding. It was one of the few Albion-related issues Barry Lloyd and I ever agreed on. Had he been allowed to continue with the project, I am convinced the club would now be playing their home matches at that location in the Pepsi-Cola Stadium.
But Beeding is now history, its time came and went and now Falmer is the only available site for a new stadium.
I am confident Martin Perry and his team will get the club to a new home. If I have a reservation, it is how long it will take? That is not a slur on what the club are doing. I am genuinely concerned about the lengths the anti-Falmer campaign will go to in order to prolong the process and the damage it could do to Albion.
I have said on many occasions that I have yet to hear a credible argument against Falmer. Why can't the people who are against it acknowledge they put up a good fight but throw in the towel and let Albion move forward?
If the antis gave up the fight tomorrow and let the Albion get on with it, how soon could the club be playing at Falmer?
WHY DID YOU SUPPORT STEPHEN PURDEW?
I was never proStephen Purdew and never anti. At the time I thought, at the very least with the precarious financial situation Albion were in, they should give any proposed investor a fair hearing.
I haven't changed my opinion on this. Although Purdew turned out not be what Albion wanted, the club desperately needs investment. I am also fully aware Dick Knight didn't come down in the last shower. He will only take people on board, and maybe one day hand over the reins, to people who are similar to him, ie they have the best interest of the club at heart and are not in it for personal gain.
WHY ARE YOU SO UPBEAT ABOUT NEXT SEASON?
I was upbeat during half time at Edgar Street when the Albion had one foot in the Conference.
The new manager inherits a club with limited finances and a temporary ground, but a vibrant unit of players with a never- say-die attitude and a collection of people, on and off the field, who are all pulling in the same direction.
In a way, every time I see a newspaper tipping Albion for relegation it strengthens my resolve. I am sure that is the case for everyone at the club.
I know there are at least five teams in Division One Albion can finish above, even without any team strengthening. So, even before a ball has been kicked, I am sure the club won't go down.
Thanks again and keep the e-mails coming in.
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