The Argus is today helping thousands of Brighton and Hove Albion fans call on John Prescott to grant them a new stadium.

Up to 7,000 are expected to descend on the seafront for this afternoon's March For Falmer.

The words on our poster will leave the Deputy Prime Minister in no doubt about the weight of public opinion in favour of the 22,000-seat community stadium.

It says simply: "We're backing Falmer, now it's up to you."

Albion chairman Dick Knight said: "It will be an incredible atmosphere.

"No football club in this country has been through such prolonged hardship in its search for a ground. And no fans have responded so magnificently as ours in this epic fight for a stadium.

"They have done this club and this city proud with their passion, good humour and determination and we want to show all that this afternoon.

"We want Albion fans of all ages and both sexes there. We've asked a lot of fans and we are asking one more thing."

John Prescott will deliver his final verdict on the six-year stadium saga by October 31 and Mr Knight wants the chants of thousands of Albion fans ringing in his ears as he deliberates.

He added: "The argument in favour of saying yes is well rehearsed and familiar to everyone.

"Hopefully we will not have to repeat it many more times but until we get that yes verdict we have to keep the pressure up.

"The Government needs to be reminded one last time that this is a huge issue for the fate of the club and the sake of the city."

Mr Knight said the verdict would be a test of the Government's commitment to improving sports facilities in the UK.

He said: "Tony Blair and Lord Coe said a lot about sports development in the successful Olympic bid. Well, this is the first opportunity for the Government to put those words into action by sanctioning a world-class new facility which could provide invaluable training facilities if not a full Olympic venue."

Supporters are being asked to gather at the Sea Life Centre at 5.30pm.

The march will move off along the seafront and finish at the Brighton Centre.

Former Albion managers Micky Adams and Steve Coppell will be there along with legendary players Gary Stevens and Peter Ward and celebrity fan Norman Cook.

Monday, September 26, 2005