Paper Seagulls

Football is the most tribal and all-consuming sport on our planet.
Its influence and passion spreads from Australia to Japan, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, central America and almost every country in Africa, to all of Russia, Europe and way beyond.
Now that passion for the "beautiful game" has even invaded the USA and the Middle East, pushing all other usurpers out of play.
Its human fire is stoked by the camaraderie and tribalism of its supporters who follow their chosen club until they die. But the word "chosen" is not actually true, because for nearly all football supporters their "chosen" club is usually determined by their place of birth, residence or familial influence.
But once hooked, a fan is always hooked.
In my own case, my paternal grandfather was a Geordie and die-hard Newcastle United fan. But my father had no interest in football at all. So, I guess it was left to me.
I was born in Hull, but from the age of three lived and was educated in sunny Sussex. After attending my first Brighton and Hove Albion game at the Goldstone Ground at the tender age of 11 in 1967, I was bound for life to supporting that one club.
And that loyalty and passion would not be swerved despite living most of my life in places as diverse as Huddersfield, Barnsley, Manchester, Scotland, Tyneside and now Wolverhampton... rarely has the term "Brighton till I die" had such relevance.
I look to brothers and sisters I barely know, for my unity and tribal belonging. We are different ages, have different backgrounds, different political views, different tastes in music and fashion, different home towns and different education.
But we are all united by one simple fact: we support Brighton and Hove Albion and for most of us, will do until we die.
Like every other football club, our unity and camaraderie are cemented by the stadium tribalism of the chants and songs we sing in support of our club.
Some chants change and develop between the seasons, or indeed between grounds, while some are universal between clubs with the odd word tweaked to make it more personal.
And many are aimed at our bête noire - in our case our deadly rivals Crystal Palace FC.
The chants know no bounds, and there is little censorship.
But what I have done for this book is draw a firm line in the sand against anything which is racist, islamophobic, anti-semitic or homophobic. There are plenty of F bombs, crunts and wankers here but nothing to insult others by way of attacking their race, religion or sexual orientation.
However, you will find quite a few selections which defend us against the many years of homophobic abuse we have received from fans of other clubs. On most occasions our defence is quite humorous and even leaves the opposition fans chuckling.
So, what you are holding is a book (a personal pot pourri) of songs and chants for Brighton and Hove Albion since my first game more than 55 years ago.
The selection is not censored, because the words you hear on football terraces are often not the ones you would hear or utter in Boots the Chemist, in church or indeed in front of your children or a favourite elderly aunt. The words are raw and sometimes offensive... but they are true... they comprise our united passion.
Added to this selection are a handful of personal poems about my club, which have touched some heart strings over the years.
Enjoy!