Albion are considering a share issue to supporters, but not until planning permission is secured for a new stadium at Falmer.

We revealed a fortnight ago the success of a public share scheme launched in the summer by the Seagulls' First Division rivals Norwich.

Around 5,000 fans took part and the Norfolk club raised around £2.3 million.

Martin Perry, Albion's chief executive, has given the concept a cautious welcome.

"They don't come cheap," said Perry. "The preparation of documents to satisfy the financial services authority are extensive and they take a long time to prepare, so there is a timing issue.

"There needs to be something tangible on which to hang a share issue. The ideal time, and this is something that is not lost on the Board at all, is when we have planning permission for a new stadium at Falmer. Then we have a future that everybody can see and something we can really get to grips with.

"I am sure it is an option open to the club. It's something we would want to use but at the time that is going to be most effective. I think that time is coming, but we have just got a little way to go yet."

In the meantime Albion are happy to accept whatever sum is raised through the Forty Note Fund launched by fans, with chairman Dick Knight promising it will be solely for team strengthening.

Boss Steve Coppell has pledged to use the money on hungry young players.

"For a club like Brighton the thing to do is buy younger players who are going to grow with the club," he said.

"What you don't want, to use Alan Sugar's terminology, is Carlos Kickaballs coming in, nicking a contract for 12 months and then running away with the money. Last year QPR were in administration and a couple of wealthier supporters actually bought two players for them. It was just unfortunate their names were Shittu and Dodou. I am looking for a player called Crappo!"

Steve Sidwell, the type of hungry young player Coppell refers to, is in contention for his full away debut at Preston on Saturday following a satisfactory first start in the 1-0 home win against Derby.

Coppell said of his midfield loan signing from Arsenal: "He has great energy.

"He had a good opportunity near the end which he snatched at but overall I was very pleased with him."