ALBION fans are to celebrate the team’s old ground, 20 years after it closed.

The Goldstone Days… 20 Years On will take place at the Theatre Royal, Brighton, on Monday.

The stadium shut in 1997 and Albion fans took pieces of the pitch, stadium seats and other mementos with them following the final game, a 1-0 win over Doncaster Rovers.

Peter Brackley, a commentator and Seagulls fan who is organising the event, said: “Plans for what should be an evening of fun, memories and merriment have been going brilliantly and we have a lot of former players coming back for the occasion but one thing we would really like is to involve supporters.

“Anyone who has a piece of unusual memorabilia from the Goldstone days – or indeed, a piece of the Goldstone itself, please get in touch so we can feature your souvenir in the show.”

Former Brighton players and managers have confirmed their appearance at event, including Alan Mullery, Peter Ward, Ian Mellor, Robbie Reinelt, George Parris, Andy Rollings, Brian Powney, Gary Williams, Brian Horton, Steve Gritt, Steve Foster, Gary Chivers, Garry Nelson, Kerry Mayo, John Byrne and Fifties goalkeeper Eric Gill.

Mr Brackley and former Seagulls defender Guy Butters are organising the event with proceeds being donated to Albion in the Community, the club’s official charity.

A few tickets for the show are still available at atgtickets.com

FIVE MEMORIES OF THE GOLDSTONE

ORGANISER OF TRIBUTE NIGHT PETER BRACKLEY

“MY FIRST memories of the Goldstone Ground are of the late Fifties when my dad took me to my first Albion matches and I watched from a tiny stool perched precariously on the east terrace.

“I couldn’t see much but loved the thrill of the atmosphere and following my heroes, just as it will be wonderful to meet up with some of them on Monday at the show.

“I didn’t commentate on that many games at the Goldstone for BBC Radio or ITV because my bosses were probably worried I would be too biased. But I certainly treasure my days there as a fan.”

ALBION FAN AND MASCOT BRETT MENDOZA

“ONE of the most special days I can remember being at the Goldstone was when I was a mascot for the club in 1991 at a game against Portsmouth when Albion won with a score of 3-2.

“I absolutely loved it and getting to walk on to the pitch with my favourite players really embedded this memory in my mind.

“I have been a mascot at the club for years now and it is where I grew up so the old ground holds a special place in my heart.

“Being both a fan and a mascot is brilliant and I would suggest it to anyone who supports the club.

“That game really stands out to me as a special day to be at the ground with such a lively atmosphere.”

PUNK POET AND MUSICIAN JOHN BAINE AKA ATTILA THE STOCKBROKER

THIS excerpt is from John’s poem Goldstone Ghosts, written on the occasion of the last game at the Goldstone on April 26, 1997.

“The battle’s only just begun, but we have won the war.

Our club, though torn asunder, will survive.

And I salute each one of you who stood up and said NO!

And fought to keep the Albion alive.

And one day, when our new home’s built, and we are storming back. A bunch of happy fans without a care We’ll look back on our darkest hour and raise our glasses high and say with satisfaction: we were there.”

LONG-TERM ALBION FAN LIZ COSTA

“THE Fans United protest on February 8, 1997, that was held at the ground on the day of the match against Hartlepool United was the start of our survival as a club.

“Supporters realised at that point that they needed to do something to save the club’s future.

“It was about making sure that the big money governing the club did not get to dictate everything about how the club operates.

“We as fans made our voices heard and it was one of the most memorable days of my life, let alone as a supporter.

“It took 15 years for the club to move to the Amex which is just a dream come true.”

FORMER ARGUS PHOTOGRAPHER SIMON DACK

“I CAN remember Albion’s last game at the ground against Doncaster Rovers when fans charged on to the pitch to dig up patches of turf as a memento of the ground. I even witnessed one fan taking an old clock from one of the stands that day.

“It was a sad day but very memorable. I was in the east stand and literally all of the fans from the north stand could be seen pouring on to the pitch.

“The afternoon was very emotional and will stay with me for many years to come, as will my memories of covering matches.

“My love for the ground and the club in general started as a young child and I used to go and watch matches there on a regular basis.”