By Martin Hall

Many congratulations to Graham Wood who, after 73 years as a fan, was deservedly presented with the Brighton and Hove Albion Fan of the Year Award at a dinner held at the AMEX Stadium earlier this year. Lindfield esident Graham has been following the Seagulls through thick and thin since the 1943-44 season, when his father took him on the train to watch his fist match from the east terraces of the old Goldstone ground. His father’s ticket cost a shilling, fiv pence in ‘new money’, and Graham’s cost just half that amount!

Graham’s award was sponsored by Parker Building Supplies and was presented by the company’s Commercial Manager, Graham Pitts. On the company’s website it states: Graham Wood, the popular, multilingual uber-fan received his nomination as a result of an online vote by his fellow fans keen to pay tribute to his dedicated attendance, cheerful banter and an array of stories from a long and interesting life.

His award was richly deserved because his health problems have never deterred him from getting to each home match and several away ones. Graham was interviewed about his life as a Seagulls fan by Johnny Cantor of BBC Radio Sussex. He also features in the following video about his loyal fanship: