ALBION fans have reacted coolly to news that a millionaire businessman wants to take control of the club.

The Argus exclusively revealed yesterday that Stephen Purdew wants a controlling shareholding in the Seagulls.

His family owns health farms in Bedfordshire, Leicestershire and Hampshire.

But fans are wary after former chairman Bill Archer bought a controlling stake for £56.25 in 1993, then sold the Goldstone Ground for £7.4 million two years later.

Supporters' club chairman Tim Carder said: "Mr Purdew's interest shows that theclub is on its way back. But I would be reluctant to see anyone take outright control. We've had our hands badly burnt once already.

"The Albion should never again be any one person's plaything.

"If Mr Purdew is sincere then I would ask him to discuss a partnership with the existing board."

Adrian Newnham, who ran the Bring Home the Albion campaign, said supporters would have serious concerns about one person controlling the club again.

Paul Samrah of the Brighton Independent Supporters' Association said Albion directors should be "blue and white through and through" but added: "Maybe he should buy out Archer."

Hove MP Ivor Caplin said: "The club has come a considerable way in the last 12 months.

"From the limited knowledge that I have of these so-called proposals, they wouldn't take the club any further forward."

Mr Purdew was released without charge last month after cocaine was found in his car.

He first discussed the matter with police late last year after his Jeep was found in a ditch at Henlow, Bedfordshire, with a small amount of cocaine inside.

Mr Purdew has always denied that he was driving the vehicle at the time of the accident.

He told a local paper: "The whole thing was ridiculous. I've been stigmatised for something I don't do."

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