Early next month, the great and good of the Premier League will gather in a fashionable part of Yorkshire.

Among the items owners, chairmen and chief executives will discuss at the AGM in Harrogate is designated areas at all grounds for away fans who want to sit down.

I am glad Albion have put this issue on the agenda.

Judging by the response to our story last week revealing the stand, so to speak, taken by the Seagulls, it is a thorny subject which divides opinion.

The surprising aspect of the considerable debate provoked across social media platforms was the selfishness of those who prefer to stand.

Apparently "if you don't stand at away games you're tinpot". Another poster claimed "the point of standing is to create an atmosphere", an argument I have never understood.

Sitting down does not prevent a cracking atmosphere. The decibel level at the Amex has been deafening on occasions, most notably against Sheffield Wednesday in the play-offs a couple of seasons ago.

It is also evident the current situation creates conflict between supporters supposed to be on the same side.

As at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day where, according to one frustrated fan: "I had two teenage lads and their dad stand in the front row at Chelsea who refused to sit down and who refused to move seats even when they were offered ones directly behind them."

Personally I prefer to sit. On the rare opportunities I've had to watch Stoke from the away end it has been uncomfortable to stand for 90 minutes, due to a weakness in my lower back.

The problem with the status quo was highlighted by one fan on The Argus website, who wrote: "I like to stand but my father who has mobility problems can't stand for more than 2 or 3 minutes but is not classed as disabled.

"Due to this situation he no longer goes to away games at all which is a shame."

The issue affects all clubs. A Burnley supporter said: "I've stopped going to away matches because of this now. So annoying and inconsiderate."

Standing in away areas has become the norm, even though it is contrary to ground regulations, because it is awkward for clubs to police.

Albion's loyalty points system, rewarding regular travellers, makes it difficult for them to prioritise the seated disadvantaged.

A must-sit away area, adopted at present only by Huddersfield, is a sensible starting point for constructive debate.

Fans who prefer to stand are in the minority. Fewer than one in 20 were in favour of a safe standing area at the Amex when Albion conducted a survey.

They need to recognise there is not a widespread appetite to watch on your feet rather than from your seat.

The Argus: Albion's travelling army will be hoping next season that Florin Andone (above) can boost the away goal tally.

The Seagulls ended up with the worst away points tally (11) and the joint-lowest number of goals (10), three of which came in the first of their two away wins at West Ham.

The eventual capture of the mobile Romanian international striker from Deportivo La Coruna justified Albion's patience, perseverance and diplomacy.

Head of recruitment Paul Winstanley and chief executive Paul Barber left Spain in last summer's transfer window frustrated that they were unable at that stage to secure Florin's signature.

Negotiations were hampered by Deportivo firing their sporting director on the morning Winstanley and Barber were due to meet him.

They parted still on good terms with Andone and his club. That put them ahead of the competition, which included Watford, when Deportivo were relegated and Andone's buyout clause was slashed from £17.5 million to £5.25 million.

If Andone is anything like as effective in his first season in England as Pascal Gross and Mathew Ryan, then three signings for a total outlay of less than £15 million will be quite a coup.