A FOOTBALL fan has turned his passion for history into a career by creating Tube maps illustrating the history of Brighton and Hove Albion.

Mike Cochrane has compiled the unique print design based on the history of Albion decade by decade, including players, managers, promotions, cup runs and how the team’s grounds have changed over the years.

The 50-year-old achieved his history degree at the University of Bristol and later went on to work in HR before combining his love of football and history into a viable business.

Mr Cochrane, who is from Cardiff, said: “The map goes right back to the day that the team was formed and it gives equal attention to each decade.

“Albion was quite a good team in the Southern League. I remember Albion going to the FA Cup final when I was little.

“You can buy anything under the sun with Manchester United on but if you see it with Albion on it is a bit different. It is nice to do.

“It is all drawn by hand and all the players included have to go in a certain order.

“I have to do all the research about the club and the ground developments too, like when Albion used to play at the Goldstone ground.

“At the bottom all of the big results are included.”

He said it can take up to six weeks to complete each map due to the amount of research that has to be done beforehand.

Once he had thoroughly delved into Albion’s history, he drew up a rough plan before completing the final design to be printed.

Each coloured line on the map represents a decade in the history of Albion.

Mr Cochrane said: “I have always loved football and history.

“I have now made this a permanent career and it used to just be a hobby.”

To see more of his designs, which can be bought in various sizes, visit tubeart.co.uk.