NINE out of ten Albion fans are boycotting shops where the Goldstone Ground used to be, according to a survey by the club.

But Albion say almost two-thirds of the stayaways would shop there if developer Chartwell put some of its huge profit into the club's future.

Chartwell bought the Goldstone site from the club for £7.4 million in 1995 and sold it to Abbey Life Assurance for £23.86 million late last year.

Toys 'R' Us, Comet, DFSand Sports Division opened stores at the Goldstone Retail Park this year.

The survey of more than 500 people, mostly Albion fans, shows 88 per cent have no intention of shopping there. But 62 per cent of those would change their mind if Chartwell put money back into the club.

Albion chairman Dick Knight said Chartwell made an extra £2 million profit because of increased property values in the year it rented the ground back to the Albion.

In a letter to the company, he wrote: "By sponsoring the Albion at Withdean, the Goldstone name would live on at the very heart of this football club, and in the hearts and minds of our supporters."

Mr Knight branded as "inappropriate" the company's offer of a "token" commemorative plaque at or near the retail park.

AChartwell spokeswoman declined to comment.

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