Farewell to Albion's Rocketman

From a secret lair deep inside the woods behind the stadium's south stand, Rocketman has provided some of the few bright spots in an otherwise gloomy season for relegation-battling Brighton and Hove Albion.

To the delight of home fans, amazement of away supporters and frustration of stewards who could never catch him, Rocketman's fireworks have soared into the air whenever the Seagulls scored, exploding with a bang each time the net bulged.

But the rocket that marked Albion's third goal against Watford on Saturday will be his last.

The wayward missile narrowly missed home fans and Rocketman has decided to retire before a serious accident occurs.

In a letter to the The Argus, Rocketman writes: "It is with considerable regret that I announce my decision to hang up my lighter.

"Although I have shifted launch sites on a number of occasions I have to conclude that I cannot guarantee my rockets will not land in the ground.

"The last thing I want to do is expose anyone (particularly the fans in the North Stand - many know who I am!) to any risk to their safety."

Rocketman's retirement has relieved officials at the club, as the Football Association has demanded an explanation into Saturday's firework incident after the referee included it in his match report.

Albion's safety officer Richard Hebbard said: "Like everyone else we enjoyed hearing the rockets go up after Albion scored.

"It has been a feature of our temporary stay in Withdean but one of the rockets landed on the pitch during the last game and the FA has written to us to asking for our observations following the referee's report.

"On these safety grounds we welcome the retirement of Rocketman."

Mr Hebbard does not think the club will face any punishment for Saturday's firework problem.

He added: "I do not see us losing points or being fined because of this. It is an issue that has been raised and that is all at present."

Rocketman will be sorely missed by all Albion diehards.

Ian Hart, who writes an Albion column in The Argus and hosts a football phone-in on BBC Southern Counties Radio, loved to look out for the fireworks.

He said: "I think Rocketman was a great entertainer and his time at the club was marvellous but like all firework displays it has to end sooner or later.

"He brought a bit of showbiz to the Albion. It was like something out of Caesar's Palace with his pyrotechnics.

"But all good things must come to an end - who knows what punishment we would have faced if he had set fire to the referee on Saturday?"

Mr Hart believes Rocketman has made the right decision at the right time.

He added: "Unlike some boxers or pop stars, he has gone out at the top with people still wanting more."

One of these is Liz Costa, vice-chairman of the Seagulls' Supporters Club.

She thought the fireworks were fantastic, despite being left with a phobia of them after a near miss during the Queen's Coronation celebrations when she was a child.

She said: "Personally I would ask him to keep on going even though I'm terrified of fireworks.

"People have always asked: Who is he? Where is he? How does he know when we've scored?

"He has developed a cult following so it will be very sad to lose him.

"Withdean has such unique surroundings and he added to the mystique of our very peculiar ground.

"We should thank him for all the fun he has given us and I think his loss will be felt around the ground."

Albion historian Tim Carder will also miss Rocketman.

He said: "He certainly added to Withdean's distinctiveness and I just wish we were able to hear him a few more times this season."

There is still hope for Rocketman to return should Albion get permission to move to a new ground at Falmer. Will he be firing fireworks from a new lair in a few years?

The last word goes to Rocketman himself: "I congratulate the stewards on their numerous searches of the woods attempting to find me.

"The woods are a lot bigger than many people realise. Perhaps there are some woods near Falmer?"