I am writing with regards to the sharing of Withdean Stadium between Withdean 2000 and the Albion.
For many years Withdean have played at the stadium, both first team and reserves.
The pitch was not in the condition it is in now and I could count on one hand the number of times matches were called off, even though we played there every week.
The first season we shared with the Albion, there were no problems and hardly any matches were called off.
In fact some weeks we played there on a Friday night and Saturday afternoon.
The matches were arranged for Withdean so that there was always at least a week before an Albion game, which is adequate time to prepare a pitch.
I agree with Ian Hart that the American footballers should be advised to go elsewhere during the summer so that the pitch can recover and any repairs made.
This season has been exceptional because of the amount of rain we have had and in a normal winter the pitch would have stood up okay.
I also agree with Des Ralfe that Withdean will be there (hopefully) long after the Albion have left the stadium and they should by now have found a new stadium.
Gary Arnold, Ex-Player, treasurer, programme editor etc Withdean FC BRUCE SAYS: It is hard to see how Withdean would have completed their home games had they been playing this season.
PAYING THE PRICE Having supported the Albion since 1947 I viewed the proposed 20 per cent increase in ticket prices with despair. Not only is it impossible ever to get a ticket, how on earth are supporters supposed to pay this huge increase?
Fortunately for some, this does not appear to be a problem as, while reading the report of last Saturday's game I saw in the photo Micky Adams standing behind the directors' box near two familiar figures. Could they possibly have been Messrs Caplin and Bassam sitting there? Tickets no problem for them it seems.
D. Smart, Fallowfield Crescent, Hove BRUCE SAYS: It will be interesting to hear what other fans think about the increase.
money TALKS I supported Brighton & Hove Albion for 40 years until I moved, two years ago. I have seen them play five times this year. I disagree with Ian Hart (Argus, March 28) about not wanting Withdean 2000 to play there.
They have more right than the Albion and if this council have not found the Albion a home in one year, the people of Withdean should all protest again, as promised.
Nottingham has a super stadium for ice skating, ice hockey and dancing, and also two good football pitches. Mansfield have an all-seater stadium in their town and they haven't been very well off.
Build the stadium at Waterhall where it should be for all sportsmen and youngsters.
F. Allison, Belper, Derbyshire BRUCE SAYS: Lovely idea but I cannot see it happening, certainly not within a year.
SPEND IT WISER Payment for playing in County League football is a vicious circle created by the Football Association and Sussex FA.
The cost of ground improvements for clubs moving from intermediate to senior football is huge. We at Wealden spent £20,000 in the summer to bring our ground up to the required standard.
Having got there our first aim is to remain in senior football and our second is to progress higher. Further improvements will cost £50,000 (floodlights, etc).
Bearing in mind the County League consists of 53 teams, plus Lewes, Crawley, Horsham, Worthing, Hastings Town, Langney Sports and Bognor, there are just not enough good players around to satisfy the demand.
The only way is to induce players with cash payments to not only to progress but to protect, particularly in our case, our investment in our ground.
As one of the investors, it is more important that the club stay in senior football than it is to have the best facilities in intermediate football so therefore paying players will always be an option for me.
If you have a wage bill of £15,000 it is a small drop in the ocean compared to the funding of ground improvements the FA require.
I do not know of any club who enjoy increased attendances when losing heavily week in week out, irrespective of them fielding what could be described as "local players".
After spending many years at all levels of football (playing, managing, coaching, supporting), my experience is that good players play for good teams.
Good players in the local league team will move on, whether or not it's for money.
G. Forde, West Park, Uckfield KEEP IT LOCAL I am in total agreement with Rodney Ralfe's opinions of County League Football. Clubs should be looking to use local talent rather than wasting money that could be spent on improving facilities, recycling a lot of very average footballers.
Here are just a few players who live within a five mile radius of Whitehawk FC but choose to play elsewhere for various reasons. Usually financial inducements.
Matt Allen, Sam Francis, Warren Buss, Kevin Townsend, Glenn Davies, Damion Dobbyn, Stuart Corlett, Carl Southwell, Jamie Quinlan, Terry Cooper, Sean Cooper, Simon Chapman, Leo Day, Tom Graves, Dave Stevens, Ashley Carr, Darren Gearing, Reece Head, Max Hamilton, Owen Hill, Tom Levitt, Ricky Mitchell, Tommy Pattenden, Sean Randell, Paul Smith.
These are just ones I can think of. There are many more. This is what we're up against. You would like to have your pick from that squad.
I would welcome it if all county league chairmen decided to spend their money on improving their facilities rather than throwing their money down the black hole filled with under talented county league players.
I'm up for it. Any other takers?
Paul Hubbard, Chairman, Whitehawk FC BRUCE SAYS: Whatever you think about players being paid at 'amateur' level, it is hard to see anyone stopping it happening.
TRUE SPORTS I would like to comment on a football match in Division Nine of the Sussex Sunday Football League which I refereed on March 29 at Preston Park in Brighton.
The match, between home team BHA United Reserves and SSSC, was to decide the winners of the league championship, but as I had been allocated the match at very short notice I was unaware of the importance of the result.
Although the match kicked off on a muddy pitch, both teams gave 100 per cent and the standard of play would have been at home in the Premier Division. I do not recall having witnessed such a performance for many years, and then only when refereeing in much higher divisions.
What a great match! Well done to both teams and I look forward to seeing you again next season.
Joseph Kerr (referee), Grand Parade, Brighton BRUCE SAYS: That's great to hear.
IT'S A TURN OFF Barcelona as well as Liverpool agreed to delay their UEFA Cup semi-final by 15 minutes because the BBC wanted to extend East Enders.
The line between reality and soap operas becomes ever thinner.
Steve Roberts, Poynings BRUCE SAYS: Wonder how they explained that one away on the Ramblas.
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