A PUB popular with Albion fans will stay put after a great save by the establishment’s managers worthy of Seagulls’ keeper David Stockdale.

Fears had been growing for weeks that the Hikers Rest in Coldean Lane, Brighton, would be converted into a supermarket when its current lease expired in the summer.

Rumours had been circulating locally that a number of supermarket chains were interested in the site, including Morrisons, Co-op and Tesco.

However, the concerns of Albion fans, nearby shopowners and residents alike have proved groundless after the pub’s managers, Andrea and Sean Manthorpe, dipped into their own pockets to buy the premises.

The purchase has been hailed as a victory for the entire Coldean “village”, with many concerned a supermarket would sound the death knell for nearby shops.

The pair, who have run the pub for the past 16 years, took advantage of the option allowing managers the first bid to buy the premises However, they will have to sell their home to finance the takeover.

Their offer had to be put to the Punch Taverns board and, early last week, they were told they had been successful.

They now plan to refurbish the interior of the pub once they take over the freehold and said they would be free to bring in whatever beer they wanted, having previously been restricted.

Mrs Manthorpe, 48, said: “There are too many breweries that are selling local pubs for supermarkets or housing.

“We have people who have been coming here for years and our customers range from 18 to 80.

“The local shopowners were concerned that if this was turned into a supermarket they would lose their business. We will be free to do anything we want.

“We can bring in beer from everywhere and anywhere and our mortgage repayments will probably be cheaper than the rents we currently pay Punch.”

Michael Leissner, prospective Labour candidate for Hollingdean and Stanmer ward and a Coldean resident, said: “It’s great news for all the Albion fans.

“Coldean is a village. There is a real community here.

“We want to support our local shops. We have everything we need here already.

“I have nothing against supermarkets, but it wouldn’t have fitted in.”