Albion chief plays down Gold link

Brighton chairman Dick Knight insists that his Birmingham counterpart David Gold has not contacted him to express any interest in investing in Brighton.

Gold had been linked with a possible future investment in the Seagulls.

Under FA and Football League rules, he cannot invest in another club while he has a shareholding in Birmingham.

"David Gold has made no contact with myself or anyone directly connected with the football club," Knight told BBC Southern Counties Radio.

"He has done a fantastic job at Birmingham and respects what we have done. I would be happy to sit down and have a chat with him."

However, Gold and his fellow directors - his brother Ralph Gold, David Sullivan, Karren Brady and Roger Bannister - all sold some of their shares to Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung over the summer.

Yeung is now the Blues' largest single shareholder, owning 29.9% of the company, while the Gold brothers hold 23.22% - having sold 14.81% to Yeung.

But if Gold were to dispose of his remaining shares, he would be free to buy into another club.

Knight added: "The present board has picked the club up by its boot straps and invested £9m.

"I've always known once the battle for the stadium was won by the club and supporters, then all sorts of potential investors would emerge"

"Myself and the existing board have a job to complete to deliver the stadium and I am going to do it... most Albion fans would agree I have every right to do so.

"Anyone who's got any sense about trying to take over Brighton right now would be foolish. We have a long-term relationship with the council for example.

"I am never going to say I would cling on to power - but I don't see why this is a debate now."