The whole of Brighton and Hove seemed to turn out at the weekend to salute its footballing heroes.

All the Seagulls, who have won championships two years in a row, deserved their salute from the cheering crowds for their tremendous efforts during the season.

A year ago, most people thought it would be a struggle for Albion to stay in Division Two with their temporary ground and limited finances.

But, in a perfectly-paced campaign, they showed enormous spirit by coming from behind to overhaul wealthier clubs and end up worthy champions.

Striker Bobby Zamora and manager Peter Taylor earned most of the headlines but no one should forget chairman Dick Knight and chief executive Martin Perry, who helped bring back the club from the brink of destruction less than five years ago.

The fans themselves deserve cheers from the players and staff. They never gave up, not even in the darkest days when Albion were homeless and penniless.

Now all eyes will be on councillors for the crucial planning committee meeting on June 12 when the applications for a community stadium at Falmer will be considered.

The players have done the work on the field. Now the council must play its part by approving a scheme vital to the club's future.