Albion have slashed their operating loss by 40 per cent, according to their latest accounts.

The club had a deficit of £401,000 in the year ending June 2000, compared to £682,000 in the previous 12 months.

A further £467,000 has been written off against the costs of developing Withdean Stadium.

But finance director Bob Pinnock says a move to a new stadium at Falmer 'cannot come quickly enough' as the club battle against the high overheads caused by operating at a ground with a limited capacity.

Albion reached 93 per cent of capacity in the first season at their temporary home, a figure which is set to rise after a succession of sell-outs during the promotion campaign.

Pinnock said: "I am pleased that we have continued to make a steady improvement in operating results, the figures represent a lot of hard work by the club's dedicated staff and the fantastic support of the fans.

"But a custom built stadium, where running costs as a proportion of attendances will be much lower, cannot come too soon."

Pinnock added that the club were working hard on improving revenue from commercial activities.

He added: "I am confident further progress will be made in the current year to get our finances on a sound footing."