In 1996, the club's financial situation was becoming increasingly precarious and the club's directors had come to a decision that the Goldstone Ground would have to be sold in order to pay off some of the club's huge debts. A terrible start to 1996–97 saw Brighton stuck the bottom of the league by a considerable margin but after the appointment as manager of relatively unknown Steve Gritt, Brighton's league form steadily although their improving chances of survival were put under further threat by a two-point deduction imposed as punishment for a pitch invasion by fans who were protesting against the sale of the ground. A lifelong fan named Dick Knight took control of the club in 1997 having led the fan pressure to oust the previous board following their sale of the club's Goldstone Ground to property developers.
By the last day of the season, after being 13 points adrift at one stage they were off the bottom of the table and had to play the team directly below them, Hereford Utd. All Brighton needed was a draw but a defender scored and own goal in the first half so it was looking pretty sick, but a late goal saved the day and Brighton retained their league status on goal difference. Robbie Reinelt scored the goal that will write his place in Albion history.
The sale of the Goldstone ground went through in 1997 and this led to Brighton having to play some 70 miles away at Gillingham's Priestfield stadium but by the start of the 1999–2000 season The Seagulls moved back to Brighton and started playing their home games at Withdean Stadium, a converted athletics track which had previously been a zoo and was owned by the council.
2000–01 was Brighton's first successful season for 13 years. They were crowned champions of Division Three and promoted to Division Two, where they made an excellent start and under the leadership of newly appointed Peter Taylor maintained their good form and ended the season as Division Two champions — winning a second successive promotion and joined the now Championship. (Yellow Car)
By 2004 due to the cost of the public enquiry, ground rent and low ticket sales inherent with a small ground, the club had an accumulated deficit of £9.5 million in 2004. The board of directors paid £7 million of this; the other £2.5 million had to be raised. A fund-raising appeal known as the Alive and Kicking Fund was started, which included nude Christmas cards featuring the players. On 28 October 2005 it was announced that the application for new Falmer Stadium had been successful and building of the 22,374-seater stadium started in December 2008. The club officially completed the handover and were given the keys to the stadium On 31 May 2011, signifying the end of 12 years without a home. The stadium has expanded to 27,250 by the start of this season, to 27,750 by December 2012 and 30,250 by the start of the 2013–14 season.
Famous names at the Club include Brian Clough, Alan Mullery, Bobby Zamora and Peter Taylor.
