Former Brighton and Hove Albion managers Steve Coppell, Peter Taylor and Micky Adams have joined the campaign to secure a new stadium for the club.

Each has sent a letter to John Prescott calling on him to approve the Falmer application.

The Deputy Prime Minister has the final say on the plans for a 22,000-seat community stadium and his staff have been overwhelmed with messages.

Mr Taylor, now manager of Hull City, said: "I have fond memories of my time at Brighton and it's a real shame they find themselves fearing for their very survival once again."

The club's entire first team squad have written to Whitehall, as has last season's star striker Bobby Zamora and Robbie Reinelt, who famously scored the goal that kept the Albion in the Football League.

Club legend Peter Ward, now living in Florida, said: "I can't believe this is still dragging on.

"It seems amazing the country is bidding to host the Olympics, yet a city the size of Brighton and Hove hasn't got any decent sporting facilities at all."

Rival clubs have also sent messages of support, both to the club and Mr Prescott.

Peterborough manager Barry Fry said: "I am 100 per cent behind Dick Knight and everyone at Brighton Football Club to win their planning case for a new stadium.

"They have got magnificent support and a fantastic club."

Other teams to have written include Preston North End, Sheffield United, Macclesfield Town, Wycombe Wanderers, Birmingham City and Bradford City.

Meanwhile, Mr Prescott's staff have been so overwhelmed with floral tributes by Albion supporters they have had to start turning the bouquets away.

Seagulls followers have been sending flowers to demonstrate the public feeling for a new stadium at Falmer. Floral arrangements representing the 91 other league clubs were due to arrive at the Whitehall offices today and hundreds of fans have also sent their own bunches.