The Albion office worker is missing his first big England international at Wembley in more than 30 years.

David will be on duty today for the Seagulls' match against Barnet at the Priestfield Stadium (3.0).

Unfortunately for him the crucial Euro 2000 qualifier for Kevin Keegan's England against the Poles kicks-off at the same time.

David, Albion's administration officer, said: "May 1968 is the last time I missed a competitive England game at Wembley, apart from the odd friendly.

"I have also seen England in several World Cups and all of the European Championships.

"But I am in charge of taking the supporters' buses down to Gillingham."

David, 49, blames the Football Association for the fixture clash.

"I'm a bit disappointed with the FA," he said. "I don't know why they changed the England game to a Saturday afternoon.

"What is wrong with Wednesday nights, like it has been for years? A lot of fans want the chance to watch their club and country."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.