Thieves broke into Brighton and Hove Albion's training ground and stole boots, kit bags, cash and players' designer clothes.

Now fashion-conscious players are being warned not to wear such expensive gear to training.

The kits were taken from the team's Sussex University training ground at Falmer.

A group of players, including Shaun Wilkinson, 22, were devastated when they returned from an extra training and treatment session to find their clothes had gone.

Some of the less expensive clothes and kit were found dumped in parts of the ground but the thieves knew about fashion and took the best stuff, including Shaun's designer £300 coat.

Police have been alerted and insurance claims lodged.

Sussex University is reviewing security at the ground, where the club has trained for a number of years.

Now the club and the university are warning the players not to leave designer clothes at the site.

The players have been joking that none of the clothes belonging to Albion player Adam Virgo, who also stayed behind for extra training, were stolen.

Winger Nathan Jones, who is known for his smart dress sense, said: "It just goes to show what horrendous clobber the Virgo possesses that even a thief refuses to wear his gear."

Matt Hicks, football liaison manager at the club, said: "Adam dresses as smartly as any of the other young players. This was just an excuse for Nathan to do a bit of ribbing."