6,200 reasons for Prescott to back Falmer

The host of ITV1's The Premiership and the international DJ went to Downing Street on Monday to deliver armfuls of hand-written letters backing Brighton and Hove Albion's bid for a new home.

They led a contingent of Seagulls supporters who descended on Westminster.

Their message to the Deputy Prime Minister was clear: "DEAR DPM STADIUM YES!"

They hope Mr Prescott will read the letters and take in fans' views before he makes a decision on whether or not to approve the club's plans.

Des said it was thanks to the Division Two strugglers that he became a TV presenter.

He said: "I went to Varndean Grammar School for boys in Brighton and started supporting the club.

"I have continued to do so ever since.

"It was probably instrumental in my starting out in the media. I began doing radio commentaries for Radio Brighton in 1968 when they were in Division Three.

"The extraordinary thing is, you support a football club as a kid and it stays with you.

"The easiest thing in the world would be for me to watch Arsenal or Chelsea. I have come down here today to support Brighton's efforts in building this new stadium they so desperately need.

"They have been playing at a temporary stadium with just stands on two sides and the boardroom is a creche for six days of the week."

Norman said he had supported the team for more than 20 years.

"Just for us to have a home is the important thing," he said.

"It will never be the Goldstone but it will be home."

The club wants to build a multi-purpose 22,000-seat stadium at falmer and move from their temporary home at the athletcis stadium at Withdean.

The statement from fans was spelled out in 18 ring binders, each of which contained hundreds of letters from Albion supporters.

These were collected by members of the Falmer For All Campaign during the last three months.

Chairman of Falmer For All Paul Samrah, 44, said: "I think they will take notice of this. This, a city referendum and the petition have given hard evidence of the support."

Des, who lives in Sussex, said he was amazed by the reaction and perseverance of fans to the plans.

He said: "When I do television broadcasts, we may get 50 letters on a subject. Here we have more than 6,000 letters. It's extraordinary.

"The turnout today underlines the importance of the decision.

"There is such a body of feeling for this football club.

"It also matters to the city of Brighton and Hove. I don't think you can purport to be a city of stature without a stadium. This community stadium would provide great facilities not just for the club but for other people involved in sport.

"I understand the objections but I don't think the objectors have anything to fear."

Club chairman Dick Knight said: "This is the final stage of a long and extremely determined battle.

"Hopefully, John Prescott will get the message that he has to listen to the people.

"It is absolutely vital we get Falmer for the club and for the future well-being of Brighton and Hove."

He was interrupted by 79-year-old Mary Emery, from Hangleton, who was the oldest supporter with the contingent.

Mrs Emery, who has followed the team for more than 70 years, said Mr Knight had given her a red rose on Valentine's day a few years ago which demonstrated what a friendly family club the Albion were.

Mr Knight joked Mrs Emery was one of the few Albion supporters that was older than he was.

He said: "It is a club supported by all ages and people from all walks of life."

Also present were Lord Bassam of Brighton and Hove MP Ivor Caplin.

Mr Caplin said: "Today's turnout shows the strong determination and commitment of Albion fans.

"This has got such strong support across the county as people are recognising we need this outdoor arena in Sussex to deliver the cultural, leisure and sporting excellence that we are determined to build."

Lord Bassam said: "I am doing what I can to support the Albion's bid and have been for the last decade."

Norman said he found it easy to talk about music but admitted he was finding it hard to produce snappy soundbites about why he was in London.

He said: "There is so much I can say but just being here is enough."

He said the Albion was a family club and his own son Woody, who turns three next week, was pestering him about going to a match.

At the appointed hour, the marchers set off on the short walk to Downing Street.

They filed past Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament into Whitehall. There, a select few were allowed through the security gates to the home of the Prime Minister.

Also entering was a sheepish-looking Piers Morgan, editor of the Daily Mirror.

A moment later, Des passed through the cordon, and announced: "It was fortuitous bumping into Piers Morgan because he lives down our way and he said he would put in a few words tomorrow."