By Paul Camillin

Albion have appointed two new directors to the club's board. London-based business pair Adam Franks and Marc Sugarman were invited by Tony Bloom, having both worked closely with the Albion chairman for a number of years.

Bloom commented, "Both bring considerable expertise and business knowledge to the club and I would like to officially welcome them to the board of directors.

"I have known Marc since we were kids growing up in Brighton. Marc works for Citigroup and has tremendous experience in the business and finance sector.

"Adam works closely with me in many of my commercial ventures. He has become an Albion fan via his business relationship with me and he too brings a wealth of experience to the table.

"Both have been advising the club and have been on the board of the Community Stadium companyfor sometime. This is a logical step forward."

Lifelong Albion fan Sugarman said, "It is a huge privilege to be asked onto the club's board. Tony's ambition for the club is enormous - the professionalism and investment that have gone into the new stadium project and the support for Russell as he shapes the team for the future are evidence of this commitment.

"I am looking forward to getting more involved with the club and helping make the Seagulls a top-flight team."

Franks, who first met Bloom at Manchester University where the pair both studied, added, "With the new stadium at Falmer almost in sight, it is a very special honour to be invited onto the board as we approach such a key moment in the club's history.

"I look forward to increasing my involvement in the club and to seeing continued success for the team, fans, management and the club's outstanding work in the community."