Albion have announced season ticket price rises of between three and 20 per cent for 2002-2003.

The price of a top seat in the north stand at Withdean increases to £475 inclusive of a discount for renewing by April 23 or £525 after that date, when applications are open to everybody.

The corresponding rates for this season were £395 and £435.

Chairman Dick Knight said the rises are necessary to cope with a higher wage bill and the growing risk of a fall in TV income from the beleaguered ITV Digital deal as the Seagulls chase a place in Division One.

"In addition it is the Board's declared policy that we will do everything possible to keep Bobby Zamora, but we are likely to have to fend off large offers from big clubs.

"It is our intention to increase the capacity at Withdean during the coming season. The maximum increase is in the order of 2,000 seats, giving us a 9,000 capacity still way below our potential.

"Crucially, we still have the exceptionally high overheads at Withdean, plus the costs of preparing for our new stadium at Falmer, all of which has to be financed."

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