Simon Burgess  for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven

The Albion - new man at top

Like many Albion supporters I have mixed feelings seeing a new chairman take over at the Albion. It is hard to think of another club that has had to manage with such a poor quality stadium, and challenging fortunes on the field, and yet there still be such solid support for the Chairman, Dick Knight and his management team.

Dick, Martin Perry and Ken Brown have fought tirelessly for a new stadium, and importantly they have worked to keep fans as well informed as possible. It is hard to imagine another club, going through what the Albion has been through, managing to survive the last twelve years.

So a new period starts for the Albion with a new chairman in Tony Bloom. It certainly helps that he has plenty of money, but most importantly he is passionate about the club and has a history that stretches back to his grandfather as vice-chairman. Football has to be about passion, Dick has it, the fans certainly have it and we all look forward to Tony Bloom proving that he has it by the bucket load. Championship teams had better watch out!

Picture: Earlier in the year Simon invited the Labour Sports Minister, Andy Burnham MP, to see the work of Albion in the community and the plans for Falmer. From left; Dick Knight, Andy Burnham MP, Simon Burgess and Martin Perry.