KERRY Mayo has dedicated Albion's promotion to the tragic priest who conducted his wedding ceremony.

The Seagulls' defender declared: "We won it for Father Patrick Emmanuel."

Father Emmanuel died in a fire at his Peacehaven home last Thursday.

Mayo's wife, also called Kerry, was among the first at the scene.

The priest married the couple at the Church of The Immaculate Conception of Our Lady in Peacehaven and baptised their children.

Mayo said: "My wife is very upset. He was a good friend to Kerry, myself and both our children.He is a man I will never forget. He meant a lot to us as a family and may he rest in peace."

Albion's promotion is particularly sweet for Sussex-born Mayo, a product of the club's youth policy.

The fullback is the only survivor of the side which narrowly escaped dropping out of the Football League with a 1-1 draw in a relegation decider at Hereford four years ago.

"I'm ecstatic," Mayo said. "We have always been down in the bottom half of the table while I have been here.

"There have been happy times when we have won, but nothing to touch this.

"t hasn't really sunk in yet. I can't explain how I feel inside. I just hope we go on and win the championship now."

PARISHIONERS MOURN - Page 7