Albion goal hero Kit Napier has died at home in South Africa. He was 75.
Napier netted 99 times for the club between 1966 and 1972 and was a big favourite at the Goldstone.
He was the club's leading post-war scorer until Glenn Murray reached three figures earlier this season.
The Scottish striker contributed 19 goals to the Division Two promotion season of 1971-72.
He later moved to Durban, where he remained until his death.
It is understood he had been unwell for some time.
Napier, a skilful player with a powerful shot off either foot, delighted Goldstone fans, be it as a centre-forward, second striker or out wide.
He had played for Blackpool, Preston and Workington by the time Albion boss Archie Macaulay was tempted to pay Newcastle £8,500 for his services.
He finished his Football League career at Blackburn before heading to Durban United.
Napier secured work in the motor trade through Albion colleague Brian Tawse, a fellow Scot who also moved to South Africa.
Tawse said: “We remained friends afterwards and we were both golfers.
“He was a very good golfer, which people probably don’t realise. He played in a lot of pro-ams.
“He was a good lad and, of course, a bit of a legend for what he did with Brighton.
“He had been unwell for three years but it still comes as a shock. It’s sad news.”
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