Brighton and Hove Albion faced many crucial days last season as they climbed to a stunning victory in the Second Division.

But none of them was more vital than the decision that will be taken by city councillors today at Hove Town Hall.

If the planning committee turns down Albion's application for a community stadium at Falmer, the club will be in deep trouble.

It has exceeded all expectations by winning championships in two successive seasons but cannot continue to succeed in a temporary stadium housing only 7,000 supporters.

Councillors will have before them a report from officers which recommends the application should be approved.

The site is not ideal but with safeguards enshrined in a legal agreement, residents will be largely protected from disturbance.

Albion have already shown at Withdean how well most fans can behave and how most are prepared to arrive by public transport to keep down parking and traffic problems. There's no reason why they shouldn't do the same at Falmer, even with a stadium that will eventually hold three times the number of supporters.

Today's World Cup match between England and Nigeria demonstrates the huge interest there is in football in this country.

There's also enormous enthusiasm in Sussex for the Albion, a club with great deeds behind it last season and great potential in the years ahead.

It has to be Falmer and councillors today should make their support unanimous.