ALBION are not coming home until July.

They have abandoned plans to move into Withdean Stadium this season.

The Seagulls will be staying at Gillingham's Priestfield Stadium for their seven remaining home matches and their first game at Withdean will now be a friendly before the start of next season.

The club has blamed on site complications plus a series of unforeseen problems for the last in a long line of embarrassing delays.

They include the legal challenge against the move by Withdean residents, opposition from the Whitbread Brewery which owns the Sportsman Pub at the stadium and the unexpected discovery of a gas pipe.

Albion now admit their most recent target date, the March 27 match against Barnet, is impossible. The April 24 alternative against Hull has also been rejected, because it could have an adverse effect on the team's promotion challenge.

ABoard statement said: "Continuing on site complications, including overcoming major obstacles not shown on any existing stadium plans, now makes March 27 impossible.

"Whilst it is possible to make April 24 (the two home games in between are midweek and therefore not viable for a Withdean start) the club is concerned that the disruption of a move back for the final two games of the season could be counter productive for the team.

"We have done everything possible to bring the club home earlier, but we have been thwarted by a series of problems that no-one could have foreseen when we were granted planning permission last summer."

Albion consulted manager Jeff Wood, the players and fans before making the decision.

Wood said: "Obviously I cannot guarantee we will be in promotion contention in April. But if we are then the idea of starting afresh on a new pitch, even though it's in Brighton, may not be the cleverest thing for us to do.

"Most of the lads think it makes sense to finish the job at Gillingham and start the new season in our new home."

The club are revising the compensation package already offered to season ticket holders to take account of the change.

Chairman Dick Knight said: "The delays in getting to Withdean have been frustrating for us all. We are sorry, but there is no doubt that the Albion will be playing next season back in Brighton where we belong."

Albion's Withdean Woes

*June 3: Brighton and Hove Council grants the club planning permission.

*June 12: The Government gives the green light.

*June 15: The first match at Withdean will be against Mansfield on October 17.

*July 10: Withdean residents launch a legal challenge.

*August 26: Residents drop their case.

*September 9: The first game at Withdean will now be in the New Year.

*November 5: The coming home date is delayed again to February 13 v Exeter.

*December 11: The date changes once more to March 27 versus Barnet.

*January 22: The Argus exclusively reveals Albion have revised their target to April 24 against Hull.

*February 16: The Argus reveals Albion may not play at Withdean this season.

*March 4: Albion confirm they will not be moving until July.

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