In an almost unprecedented joint statement, backed by all six supporters' groups and three fanzines, fans have made clear their support for the position adopted by chairman Dick Knight.

Health farm boss Purdew wants a controlling shareholding in return for investing heavily in the club, but Knight says no individual should have control.

The fans' statement says: "All supporters' groups believe that no one person should have control of our club, in line with the FA-brokered shareholding agreement.

"The pitfalls of having one person in sole command are well documented. After all, supporters struggled long and hard to remove Bill Archer as a controlling shareholder following the sale of the Goldstone Ground."

The statement says Albion should and will listen to constructive offers, but fans do not want anything to jeopardise the club's positive relationship with Brighton and Hove Council.

It adds: "To become a minority shareholder, Mr Purdew would need to prove to both the fans and the board that he is committed to the Albion.

"We believe that the timing of this bid, and the way it has been made public, do not demonstrate a supportive attitude to the issues currently facing the club and its fans. This is a time for partnership, not takeovers."

Fans are urging Purdew to consider "alternative ways forward that will not compromise the existing shareholding structure".

The statement says: "The resounding support that Dick Knight received at the meeting on Monday night reinforces our belief that this is the view of the vast majority of Albion fans.

"The agenda will now need to move forward to the referendum campaign for a 'Yes, Yes' vote, which will be launched by supporters' groups and the club at Hove Town Hall on the evening of April 12."

The statement is backed by the Supporters' Club, BISA, A21 Club, North Sussex Seagulls, Seagulls Over London, Bring Home the Albion, Scars and Stripes, Build a Bonfire, and Seaside Saga.

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