David Gold and charity boxing

If Shaw Taylor was to run a photo fit of the prime Albion supremo, David Gold would tick almost all of the boxes.

A multi-millionaire publisher, owner of the Ann Summers High Street chain, and listed in the most recent Sunday Times Rich List with a fortune of 500 million, he now lives in Hurstpierpoint with his fiance.

He has a life-long love of football, which stretches back to his days as a schoolboy on the books of West Ham. A bit more recently, since 1993 in fact, he has been the co-owner and chairman of Premiership side Birmingham City.

When he arrived at St Andrews, the stadium was run down with crowds of under 5,000. The club couldn't afford to even pay the milk bill and things had got so bad that a potential groundshare at neighbours Walsall was being discussed.

But now, after already selling a number of his shares in the Midlands club, it looks likely that Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung will have completely bought out Gold by November, freeing him up for a fresh challenge.

A challenge that Gold stated on BBC SCR's Tommy Boyd show would hopefully be with a south coast club, a bit closer to his home.

He went on to say how much he admired both the Albion and Dick Knight, adding that he felt Albion had the potential to be a Premiership club.

All very encouraging for Albion fans?

That is unless you are Dick Knight. He made the unusual step of putting out a strong denial of the whole story over the half-time tannoy at Satur-day's home game with Yeovil.

It almost prompted the Shakespearian quote of "He protesteth too much".

There have been numerous stories about potential investors/takeovers, some including such footballing luminaries as Diego Maradona and Ossie Ardiles, yet Knight has never reacted so publicly.

Ultimately, if he takes a step back and looks at all of the facts, is there anything to be really frightened of?

But perhaps the louder the protest the higher the price?

Gold has a pedigree in both business and football that cannot be questioned.

He could easily pay for much of the estimated 55 million stadium costs and perhaps, equally as important, finance a team to play in it. Why would anybody not want that for the club?

As for Knight himself, who has earned legendary status at the club with his actions over the last 10 years, it would only be fair and right for him to walk away with a pay-off, that would not only reward him for his endeavour but financially sec-ure his and his family's future.

When and if Gold is available, the Albion need to sit down with him and ask him to put his cards on the table. He has the money, the track record and perhaps equally as important, he has drive, vision and hunger.

Could anyone with a love of the Albion turn that away?

The first of two local charity boxing events takes place next Friday, October 5, when the Sussex Elite, including local hot prospect Lee Garnham, take on the Royal Marines at the Metropole Hotel.

Tickets are 50 and include a three-course meal. All proceeds will go to the families of serviceman who have lost their lives in the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

For more ticket information, contact Scott Welch or Anthony Brown on 01273 775503.

In true Scott Welch style, he took the time to phone and offer a pair of tickets as competition prizes.

So just answer this question, "Who is Ricky Hatton fighting in December?" and e-mail the answer by midnight Friday, September 28, to [email protected], and the winner will be notified early next week.