The future of Brighton and Albion football club will be decided within a few weeks - on or off the field.

Steve Coppell's men will reveal whether they are likely to drag themselves off the bottom of Division One.

Meanwhile, a public inquiry starting next month will determine whether a new community stadium will be built.

Albion have the potential to be one of the major teams of the South, rivalling Portsmouth and Southampton, who are both faring well.

They have the support and a catchment area where more than a million potential fans are living.

What they don't have is a stadium like the one built for Southampton which will provide the income necessary for them to be a top club. The temporary ground at Withdean cannot remain a base for long.

A good case for the community stadium will be put at the public inquiry by the club and Brighton and Hove City Council, which granted permission for the scheme a year ago.

What Albion alone has to do is to put up a commercial case that will convince everyone - from the inquiry inspector to the two universities and the council.

The council is sounding a timely warning to Albion that it must be done - and the sums will have to add up.

All those who support the club want the Albion to stay in Division One and the club to have done its work too.