It was heartbreak for Albion fans as the Seagulls were relegated from the Championship on a nightmare bank holiday Monday.

Only all three points would have given the Albion any chance of survival and fired-up fans turned out in force in the holiday sunshine to roar Mark McGhee's men on to victory against Sheffield Wednesday.

Supporters cranked-up the volume at the usually-quiet Withdean and the players ran out to a deafening roar.

But what promised to be yet another nail-biting end-of-season Seagulls encounter turned into a thoroughly miserable afternoon after the final 2-0 defeat.

The visitors went into an early lead and from then on it was an uphill struggle.

By half time Albion were 1-0 down and the fans' early optimism began to dampen. The stadium became subdued and it was clear Albion did not have it in them to provide the goals.

Any ray of hope was snuffed out in the second half when Burton O'Brien slotted into an open net, sending Albion crashing out of the league.

It sealed a glum end to a typically up-and-down season for Albion on and off the pitch.

Supporters were buoyed in October when John Prescott delivered his YES verdict on the Falmer Stadium.

But the subsequent legal challenge by Lewes District Council has resulted in more frustrating delays for the vital 22,000-seat stadium project.

Only last week The Argus revealed planning permission for the stadium has been quashed due to an error John Prescott made in his letter of approval.

Albion manager Mark McGhee said no one should be surprised at Brighton's fate given the circumstances at the club.

He said: "It was a poor game and we went out with a bit of a whimper.

"The players have tried so hard to stay in this division and we've come up a little bit short.

"But it's a long-term job here, and I'm building a squad that I intend to still have when we walk out in our new stadium.

"We'll work hard over the summer to run out at the beginning of next season a better team, but everyone knows the club is not in a position to go splashing out on players.

"Young players will improve more playing in the Championship, so it's a step back for us in terms of their development."

Supporters trudged out of Withdean feeling a mixture of disappointment, anger and resignation. There were tears but also songs of defiance.

Some called for McGhee to be sacked while others felt the team had done the best it could, considering the club's meagre financial resources, terrible facilities at Withdean and uncertainty over Falmer.

This year's glamour ties against the likes of Leeds, Crystal Palace, Millwall, Southampton and Leicester will be replaced by fixtures against Carlisle, Doncaster, Grimsby and Yeovil in League One.

Seth Attwood, 34, from Portslade, said: "It was inevitable really. I'm gutted but supporting Albion you have to get used to the ups and downs. I'm very disappointed with the team's performance today. I'm disappointed with the manager.

"I think he's made a few wrong decisions this year which have cost us dearly.

"I was optimistic until the end. I thought we could do it today but our hopes weren't matched by the team.

"I don't know if we can bounce back up next year but that's got to be our aim."

Jackie Mills, from Eastbourne, said: "It's heartbreaking but I think we'll be straight back up again next year.

"The manager is doing fine, we just need the players to start clicking more and scoring goals. We've been in a lot worse situations and I'm still very proud of the team."

Richard Benge, 39, from Hastings, said: "It's not the end of the world. We were very lucky to get into this league through the play-off final at the Millennium stadium two years ago and only stayed up last year through the skin of our teeth.

"We've played some good football this year but have had no luck. The answer is a new stadium at Falmer and once that's under way we will attract some new investment."

John Canning, 56, from Haywards Heath, said: "Today was typical of our whole season. We're just not good enough for this division.

"A few of the players and sometimes the manager have not performed for us this year in terms of effort and desire. They just did not have enough fight for my liking.

"Coming back up will be hard work. Whatever happens we'll all be here to cheer them on."

Barry Hewland, 65, from Patcham, said: "We went out with a whimper rather than a roar, which is most unlike us and not easy to stomach.

"I think it's time for the manager to go and we also have to ask a lot of questions of the board. I know we don't have a lot of money but to not bring in a striker in January when we really needed one was pathetic.

"We've just brought in Noel-Williams but if we had him back then he might have made a difference.

"The fact is until we get Falmer we will be in a position where we are yo-yoing up and down the leagues."

Paul Day, 38, from Newhaven, said: "I'm gutted but it's what we were expecting. We've just got to lift our heads up and keep supporting the lads. We did very well to get in this league. We were punching above our weight and at least in league One we might score a few goals and put some wins together.

"I blame Norman Baker and Lewes District Council entirely for us getting relegated because if they had not been deliberately delaying Falmer we would be far more financially secure and be able to buy some players."

Albion Supporters' Club chairman Tim Carder said: "I feel a bit numb but I had basically resigned myself.

"We were outplayed today. We didn't create much." He joked: "I'm looking forward to visiting places like Carlisle next year.

"The stadium is still the most important thing and if I was offered a choice of staying up or having the stadium I'd gladly go down every time."

Falmer For All Campaign chairman and the Albion's matchday announcer, Paul Samrah, said: "It's heartbreaking but such is life. Considering what has happened to us in the past we are lucky to have a club at all and we should not forget that.

"However, certain players have not performed at the level they should this year when the chips were down. We have seen a complete lack of passion. Some of the manager's signings have been questionable.

"Next year anything is possible. If we get to the play-offs, play some good football, score a few goals, don't get promoted but get water-tight Falmer planning permission that can be regarded as a very successful season.

"Next year we've got to concentrate on engaging young fans and getting them supporting the Albion in order for us to have a future at all."