Albion united

Car-loads of supporters drove from all over the county to pack the roads into Brighton for the demonstration yesterday.

TV presenter Des Lynam, who lives in Sussex, was among at least 7,000 fans, celebrities, football legends and players who turned out to make some noise for the Seagulls.

They poured into Brighton to get their message across outside the Labour Party Conference.

The march yesterday snaked from Madeira Drive to Grand Parade as supporters called on Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, with whom the final decision to allow the stadium rests, to say yes to Falmer.

Scores of demonstrators carried posters from The Argus telling Mr Prescott what he already knows, that there is only one site for Brighton and Hove Albion's new 22,000-seat stadium - Falmer.

Our posters, which pictured Mr Prescott's face, read: "We're backing Falmer. Now it's up to you."

More fans poured on to the streets than could be seated in Albion's temporary home at Withdean to watch a match.

Falmer is the only option and is vital for the long-term future of the Seagulls, who have not had a permanent home since Goldstone was demolished in 1997.

In 1999, The Argus reported how 40,000 people had backed the Falmer bid in an historic referendum in the city.

Whistles, horns and songs made for a noisy but good-natured protest. Onlookers, including delegates inside the "ring of steel" conference security zone, were left in no doubt about the strength of support for a new stadium.

Club chairman Dick Knight said he was thrilled to see fans from clubs across the country, including staunch rivals Crystal Palace, turn up to give their support to the Seagulls.

He said: "That shows the brotherhood of football."

Lynam, who lives in West Sussex, and Norman Cook, alias DJ Fatboy Slim who lives in Hove with wife Zoe Ball, were given a warm reception from the crowds.

Mr Lynam said: "I am here because I am a fan of the club and have been all my life.

"Anything that the club feels it needs to do, I will back them to the hilt."

Cook, whose record company Skint sponsors the Albion, said: "How many times do we have to get this message out?"

Later on in the march, Mr Knight gave an impassioned speech to deafening cheers from the crowd.

He said: "Thousands of people have turned out, united in their love for the club.

"Mr Prescott, give us a sporting chance.

"We have the love, we have the passion.

"Now give us the stadium to consummate it with."

Former players and managers reunited at the demonstration.

Seagulls legends Gary Stevens and Peter Ward were greeted by rapturous applause and shouts from support from fans of all ages.

Mr Stevens, who scored for Brighton in the 1983 FA Cup final, said: "I am delighted to be here although I wish it was under better circumstances."

Mr Ward, who still holds the Albion record for most goals in a season, had travelled from his home in Florida for the march.

He said: "It has been disappointing to see what has happened to the club since I left.

"The club has deserved this for seven years now.

"Mr Prescott has to say yes so the club can get on with its life."

Martin Perry, Albion chief executive, said: "This turnout is fantastic.

"Everybody in the world of football and outside knows just how important this issue is and they have come out to show that."

Mr Perry said the mood inside the club was positive.

He said: "We have demonstrated just how great the need is.

"Now it is up to John Prescott."

Manager Mark McGhee praised the unstinting passion of the Brighton and Hove fans.

He said: "The impressive things for me is that their dedication never falters."

Paul Rogers, club captain between 1999 and 2003, said: "When I started at the club the manager thought we would have a new stadium within two years.

"Six years on and we are still looking at a two to three year wait. It's a travesty."

Current striker Jake Robinson said: "We are making it known just how important this is to us."

Sussex Police gave official backing to the cause and praised the good humour of the marches, which has become a hallmark of the campaign.

Football liaison officer Darren Balkham said there were possibly as many as 10,000 protesters.

He said: "The fans are tremendous and are a credit to Brighton and Hove."

The march made its way along the seafront to the Brighton Centre chanting: "We want Falmer", "Seagulls" and singing "We are Brighton, from the South".

One banner said: "Two jags - one site - Falmer."

Demonstrators spoke passionately of their feelings about The Albion.

Christine King, from Saltdean, said: "We never give up. We have this vision and we won't be stopped."

Aaron Berry won £250,000 for the Albion in a competition run by Coca-Cola earlier this year.The 29-year-old, who works as an IT trainer for Sussex Police, is originally from Brighton but now lives in Worthing.

He said: "My first match was the 1983 FA Cup final. I've had a season ticket for 13 years.

"They needed the money I won because they can't take the numbers through the gate."