Fans are being urged to put their hands in their pockets to save the Seagulls from relegation.

Brighton and Hove Albion supporters have set up a fighting fund to help the cash-strapped club climb off the foot of Division One.

Organisers believe they can raise at least £160,000 if every season ticket-holder hands over £40.

The money will be a Christmas present for manager Steve Coppell, to pay the wages of two high-profile loan signings when the transfer window re-opens in January.

The idea of the lifeline fund was mooted last month by Argus columnist Ian Hart.

Ten Albion-supporting businessmen organised a meeting to discuss making it work, and came up with the name Forty Note Fund.

Donations can be made at the Allied Irish Bank in Marlborough Place, Brighton.

Organisers are in talks about enabling supporters to make donations at other banks across Sussex.

They have said the money would only be used towards new signings' wages.

Doug Clarke, voted in as one of the trustees of the fund, said: "Obviously we can't raise a couple of million to buy any new players.

"But we can manage enough for the wages of two Premiership players on loan until the end of the season, say to strengthen the midfield and defence.

"It's so important Albion don't go down, for the future of the club and the new stadium plans."

Fellow trustee Mike Middleton said: "£40 is just a guide. People can give more than that or less, if they can't afford it."

The bank account already contains £400. The Forty Note Fund will be officially launched on Tuesday.

Coppell last week blamed the club's struggles on the cash shortages which mean its wage bill is among the three lowest in Division One.

A club spokesman said: "This is a positive thing the fans have chosen to do. We welcome any financial input."

Former Albion manager Pat Saward launched a "Buy A Player" fund in 1971. Fans raised £50,000 which was used to buy Bert Murray, who helped the club win promotion from the old Third Division in 1972.