Albion's fortunes must change

Chairman Dick Knight addressed the Withdean faithful before last Saturday's final home game against Oldham, which was yet another forgettable defeat, save for a superb consolation goal from Dean Cox. Knight spoke of exciting times next year, with the fruition of the Falmer project and a promotion push back to the Championship. Sorry Dick, you're a nice enough bloke and, contrary to popular belief, I like you as a person, but enough is enough. If Falmer is to happen, and I sincerely hope it does, the Albion's fortunes off the field will have to change drastically. It's 10 years since the Albion left the Goldstone. At that time the estimated cost of the new stadium was 30million. By the clubs own admission, that figure has nearly doubled, to approaching 60million. Now rewind 10 years. If Dick Knight and Co had come up with something like 40 per cent of the building costs and slapped it down on the council table, I believe they would have a stadium by now. I just worry that, as much as Dick Knight loves the Albion '” and of that there is no doubt '” he is almost like a King Canute figure when it comes to the stadium costs. The Albion claim the money is in place but how can any business running along the lines of the Albion service a debt like that? Grants will be available, but certainly not to the tune of 60million. Returning to next season, just how Dean Wilkins can mount a promotion push with a smaller budget than he, and Mark McGhee before him, has had this season, bearing in mind where the team has finished, is another head-scratcher. How good can any manager be with his hands tied behind his back? But before all that, the Albion round off their campaign at Cheltenham Town. If they finish in 17th, 18th, 19th or 20th place, it's almost immaterial. It is clearly the game that should see the full Albion league debut of Sompting's very own John Sullivan Junior between the sticks. If Sully does get the nod, he will be the first product of both Lancing Rangers and Thistle Youth to play professional football. Something to which Rangers can raise a glass when they celebrate their 25th anniversary in a couple of weeks time. I'm busy signing players up for the clash between Ferring and Ian Hart's Spare Parts on Sunday, May 27, to mark the re-opening of Ferring FC. A key signing this week has been the legendary Dave Clark, though not he of The Five. Not only will he do a job at the back for me but it also guarantees that it will be Ferring who end up with Clarkie's "party piece" of a sheep's head in their dug-out. While youth football continues to thrive in the area, I had a very enjoyable evening on Tuesday watching Goring Cricket Club's Under-12s take on Thomas A Beckett School in a 20-over friendly match. While the two teams battled out a very entertaining game, which Goring won by three wickets, the youngsters of Chippingdale Colts were put through their paces over at the nets. And, to me, it highlighted how lucky we are to not only have so many youngsters playing local cricket, but all the important people to organise these activities. For many years Goring, like Worthing, Findon and now Chipps, have had vibrant colts sections and not for the first time this was highlighted when, on Saturday, their 3rd team posted a club record score against Petworth, of 413-4 off 45 overs. Impressive enough, but even more so when you consider that Ben Cartwright, 187, and Sam Botham, 181, are both products of the system. Botham is still only 15 and Cartwright not much older. harty@tiscali.co.uk