Albion have appointed their own groundsman. He is Steve Winterburn, the former head groundsman at Mowden School in Hove.

He will give the Seagulls more of a say in the upkeep of Withdean and the training pitches at Falmer.

They are currently maintained by Ecovert South.

Albion have not had a groundsman since 1997, when the Goldstone was demolished.

Four hundred extra tickets have been put on sale for Friday night's match against Chesterfield after the visitors returned part of their allocation.

The seats in the uncovered north-east section are priced £16.50 adults and £10.50 concessions.

Applications can be made in person at the ticket office in Queens Road, Brighton, or via telephone on 01273 776992.

Tickets will not be posted out but can be collected at Withdean on the night of the game.

The fixture on New Year's Day against Northampton is already sold out. Tickets for the third round FA Cup tie against Preston on January 5 go on sale to away supporters scheme members today, then on general sale tomorrow.

Albion hope to stage the FA Youth Cup fourth round tie for Dean Wilkins' youngsters against Leicester at Withdean on Wednesday January 23, with a 7pm or 7.45pm kick-off.

Dean White's reserves host Hassocks in the third round of the Sussex Senior Cup at Bognor on Tuesday January 29.