He’s not a Russian oil baron. He’s not part of the Formula One circus, and he is certainly not Arab Royalty. He is a poker player and betting expert, and the most recent addition to the millionaire football owners club. Step forward Tony ‘the Lizard’ Bloom.

In the midst of the recession, the Lizard has stepped forward to single handidly save the Falmer Community Stadium Project by funding the vast majority of the increased £93m cost, and with it assume the chairmanship of Brighton and Hove Albion.

Dick Knight, who will forever be known as the man who saved the club, becomes life president, and can reflect on an unprecedent 12 years in charge, during which he oversaw the return from exile in Gillingham, two championships, one play off final and a host of memorable, and not so memorable moments, along the way.

But now is the time to look forward. Bloom will, barring any major cock ups, lead his new club into their new home in two years time, and the Seagulls will finally have a platform with which to tap into the undoubted potential that being the only football league club in a 50 mile radius offers.

With the money that the Lizard has already put into the playing side of things – purchasing players the calibre of Glen Murray, Jim McNulty and the ill-fated loan of Robbie Savage, it is not just an exciting prospect off the pitch, but on it as well with a chairman who can bankroll a team to climb into the Championship

Money doesn’t always equal success, as fans of mega-rich sides such as QPR and Manchester City can testify to. But for a club that has struggled to survive since the sale of the Goldstone Ground in the mid-1990’s, you can forgive the fans for getting a little excited over the prospect of financial security and the dream of returning to the upper-reaches of the Championship, or even the top flight for the first time since the early 1980’s

So Dick Knight – thank you for everyone you have done in going down as one of the greatest chairman in the history of Brighton and Hove Albion. You will never be forgotten. But May 18th 2009 is a day for looking at the future though – and from this point on, it looks Bloom-ing good