Albion fans have called on the club to honour their former chairman by naming parts of the new stadium after him.

Stalwart supporters of Brighton and Hove Albion have said they would like to see one of the stands, gates or rooms at the £44million Falmer Stadium named after hero Dick Knight.

Mr Knight, who stepped down in May 2009 after 12 years in charge, is credited with saving the club after taking over from Bill Archer who sold Brighton’s Goldstone Ground to developers.

Supporter of more than 20 years Paul Smart, said: “I would like to see a part of the stadium named after Dick Knight, he was the one who saved the club.”

Sureyya Kurtay, 20, said: “We've got to name something after Dick, he saved us when we were on our knees.

“In an ideal world it would be the home supporters stand.”

Speaking to The Argus, Mr Knight said he was “honoured” at the suggestion of a tribute.

He added: “I am overwhelmed by the thought, and would be honoured.

“I have got so much in common with the Albion fans.”

Other names put forward by fans include players Peter Ward, Steve Foster, known as Fozzy, and premiership ace Bobby Zamora, who played for Albion between 2000 and 2003.

Albion managing director Ken Brown, said: “It is very early days, but naming any part of the new grounds will be a decision taken by the board at an appropriate time."