They have been playing there since 1999, but Saturday's clash against Hartlepool marks the start of a new era for Albion at Withdean.

The Seagulls will be running the match day operation themselves for the first time.

The leisure contract for Brighton and Hove Council has switched hands from Ecovert to DC Leisure Management.

Martin Perry, Albion's chief executive, said: "They take over Withdean today, we take responsibility today for safety matters for all events at Withdean and from Saturday onwards we are responsible for the stadium on a match day."

Richard Hebbard becomes operations manager, while David Ashley retains his role as chief safety officer but is now working for the club.

Around 130 staff have transferred from Ecovert to Albion. Stewards will have the club name and badge on their fluorescent orange jackets and the ground maintenance team have a new dark blue uniform.

Catering has changed hands from Kings Cuisine to Godalming-based Alexanders Catering, the company which provides food at Brighton Racecourse.

Perry estimates the new arrangement will save Albion £10,000 per match.