ALBION legend Peter Ward was the surprise guest of honour as fans and former players remembered the Goldstone Ground at a special event last night.

The Theatre Royal Brighton was packed as Ward joined the likes of Gordon Smith, Graham Moseley, Gary Williams, Gerry Ryan, Teddy Maybank, Paul Clark, Brian Horton, Eric Gill and Steve Gritt to share their memories of Albion’s former home.

Ward, a quicksilver striker who lit up the Goldstone in the 1970s and 1980s, flew in from his home in Tampa, US.

He said: “I couldn’t miss this. The Goldstone was a special place.”

TV commentator and Albion fan Peter Brackley hosted The Goldstone Days event with the help of the BBC’s Gary Richardson.

There were plenty of laughs as former players and fans remembered the good times and bad at the Goldstone.

Supporter Alistair Tingley’s lasting memory was walking across Hove Park with the lights in the distance.

The 54-year-old, who travelled from London for the event, said: “I remember going as a nine-year-old and standing on a beer crate on the terrace.

“The big night games and the packed houses were brilliant.

“There were not so nice memories, like going to the outdoor toilets in the pouring rain, but it was a special place.”

Steve Harrington recalled a famous televised win over Aston Villa and the tougher times.

The 57-year-old said: “The last game against Doncaster was very sad but I also go back to beating Villa in 1971-72 when Willie Irvine scored one of the goals of the season.”

Joe Mott, 63, from Ditchling, wore a replica 1950s shirt which has been his good luck charm throughout the current high-flying season.

He said: “It was an old stadium with a special atmosphere.”