Reading manager Steve Coppell has added his support to former club Brighton's fight for a new stadium.

The outcome of the extensive public inquiry into Albion's proposed new 22,000-seat ground at Falmer will be revealed at the end of October.

About 6,000 fans will march along the city's seafront on Monday to lobby Deputy PM John Prescott at the Labour Party conference.

Coppell has pledged to join fellow former Seagulls boss Micky Adams, current manager Mark McGhee, chairman Dick Knight and a host of past and present players at what will be their last chance to put their case to Mr Prescott.

He said: "It's an ongoing struggle for a new ground.

"They've had many years of suffering the abuse of previous regimes. They lost their old ground and now they're striving to get a new stadium."

Coppell left Brighton for Reading after a year at the helm in October 2003 and knows the club will struggle to survive if they are forced to continue playing at their 6,500-capacity temporary home at Withdean.

He said: "Everyone wants the new stadium apart from one or two exceptions. We are just hoping for a positive result.

"Then, hopefully, they can start to build for the future with some confidence."

FA Cup finalist Gary Stevens, former skipper Gary Hobson and Robbie Reinelt, the man who scored the goal which kept Brighton in the Football League eight years ago, are among those participating along with Seventies goalscoring legend Peter Ward, who is flying in from Florida especially for the march.

The current Seagulls squad will also take part before travelling to play Leicester the following day.

Brighton chief executive Martin Perry said: "We are delighted with the support we are receiving from ex-managers, players and the whole of the football world.

"We are really grateful Steve and Micky are coming down.

"This is the biggest battle the club has ever faced and the whole city is behind us.

"The site was identified six years ago and it has gone on long enough. We need a 'yes' and we need a 'yes' now."