ALBION'S main sponsors say they are unlikely to renew their kit deal next season.

Donatello paid £50,000 to sponsor the Seagulls this season. The name of the popular Brighton restaurant appears on the team's shirts and replica kits.

Co-owner Sue Addis told the Argus: "At this point, I don't think we'll be carrying on with the sponsorship for another year, just from the financial point of view.

"The club say they've got other interested parties and they would be looking for more money from us.

"If they keep it at £50,000 and get back to Withdean, then we would be interested in discussing it further."

Mrs Addis added: "If we don't renew our main sponsorship, we would be happy to consider some other kind of sponsorship, possibly on the youth side of the club.

"The supporters have been tremendous. We've had many parties of Albion fans, up to 50 at a time. We've had little kids coming in wearing the old shirts, sponsored by Sandtex, which we've swapped for free Donatello shirts.

"The local players come in with their families, but they have to pay for their meals!"

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