Whitehawk chairman John Summers insists “a silent majority” of fans are in favour of changing the club’s name to Brighton City FC.

Hawks have formally lodged their intention with the Football Association to change their name in time for next season.

The club believe the move will help them attract sponsors which in turn will allow them to continue to grow, having climbed from the County League in 2010 to where they are now in the sixth tier of English football.

More than 1,100 people had last night signed an online petition set up by a group of fans opposed to the move.

But Summers, below, believes that is not representative of the majority of people who hold the club close to their heart.

A potential name change has been talked about for a couple of years and a previous attempt was blocked by the Football Association, amid objections from Brighton and Hove Albion who do not want another team using the name Brighton.

Summers says the club has previously consulted fans on the issue and will continue to talk to supporters, a number of whom are new to the club.

He told The Argus: “The silent majority are understanding of what we are doing.

“If you analyse the people who are making this contribution (petition) it is North Stand Chat, people all over the country, people from Hull who have a gripe with their owners, people in Dubai as well as more recent fans – and that is not discounting traditionalists who think Whitehawk is best – but ultimately we do think we are representing the silent majority.

“They really understand the club and understand what we are doing, that we are moving on to another era. I am not saying the fans don’t have a voice because we will listen to the fans but they will also listen to us and we will see how it pans out. It is great that everyone is talking about Whitehawk in a positive way.

“We got our message across before. I really do love those fans and we are not looking to damage any of that relationship. I think once they understand the scenario they will join together.”