The word ‘legend’ is often over-used within football, but when it comes to Martin Perry and the contribution he has made to Brighton & Hove Albion, one certainly wouldn’t be accused of hyperbole or exaggerating the truth.

Perry was instrumental in Albion’s protracted battle to gain planning permission for the £120 million American Express Community Stadium, and had overall responsibility its design and construction – likewise the state-of-the-art £32 million American Express Elite Football Performance Centre at Lancing, with both delivered on time and within budget.

While a lifelong fan, his personal journey with the club stretches some 24 years and began as a result of his work as special projects director for construction company Alfred McAlpine, where he helped deliver Huddersfield Town’s new stadium in the early Nineties.

Indeed, Martin was introduced to Dick Knight in 1996 by then-Hove Borough Council leader Ivor Caplin. He had been due to go sailing that Saturday morning but instead took a phone call that would open a new chapter on his life and help secure and shape the future of the football club.

Martin leaves the Albion with an unquestionable legacy and in recognition of his services, Martin is being made an Honorary Life Vice President and is continuing in his role as chair of the board of trustees of Albion in the Community.