Football fanatic Adrian Heft paid £4,176 to become a Brighton and Hove Albion player, with a squad number 99.

The lifelong fan made a last-minute bid in an internet auction to become an officially registered player.

The computer software businessman was overjoyed at becoming an Albion player, describing it as a "once in a lifetime opportunity."

He has been "Albion Mad" since the age of seven and once worked as a programme seller outside the club's former Goldstone ground so he could get in for free.

Bidding as Temple Man, Mr Heft, 43, beat another anonymous bidder a minute before the deadline.

Mr Heft, 43, who commutes to London, will have his own 99 Albion shirt, will be registered with the Football League and be given framed copies of his professional forms.

That would allow him to play for the team but it is 99 per cent certain he will not be playing, unless he shapes up to First Division standard in the pre-season training he has been invited to attend.

However, Mr Heft does keep fit and is an accomplished middle-distance runner.

He will be in the official team photograph and given a team picture, signed by the squad.

He will also be taken to an away match on the team coach, given a team travel kit, including tracksuit, trainers and travel bag.

The package, which Mr Heft described as a fan's dream, will also allow him to be credited in the team's programme and have his picture on the club web site.

The Albion auctioned the prize to raise funds on the QXL.com internet site.

Mr Heft kept an eye on the bidding and warned his wife he might bid for the prize.

He said: "I was surprised it was only £3,500 with a few days to go. I thought it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"It is money well spent, a dream come true."

Trevor Watson, marketing manager for the Albion, said: "This has been a successful business venture. We are delighted it went so well."

Mr Heft said: "I am hoping for a flu epidemic mid season so they are forced to play me. I shall be keeping myself fit."