FURIOUS Brighton soccer fans have invaded an East Lancashire village in their campaign against chairman Bill Archer.

They arrived in Mellor, where the Focus DIY boss lives, to let his neighbours know what they think of him.

Supporters of the trouble-hit third division Brighton and Hove Albion club travelled north for today's match at Wigan, and went to Mellor to start a day-long campaign in the quiet village. They blame Mr Archer for poor results and the uncertain future of their ground.

Some fans spent the night in Mellor and were expected to be joined by scores more supporters this morning to post leaflets and a poem by fan John Baine through letterboxes in the area.

After the Wigan match, the fans were planning to meet in the Traders Arms pub before protesting outside Mr Archer's home on Whinney Lane.

Supporters sent a giant poster to the Traders Arms outlining their case and the proprietors Brenda and Philip Mulcock have displayed it in the bar. Philip said: "The poster features newspaper cuttings about the case.

"They have taken time to produce it and send it to us, so we feel it is only right to display it."

Brenda added: "The police assured us there would be no trouble.

"We do not want to take sides. These people are just stating their case. We have all got a right to do that and we are quite happy to have them in the pub."

Ian Hart, co-editor of the fans magazine Fanzine in Brighton, said: "Mr Archer is playing with people's emotions.

"For a lot of people, football is their life but the club is being systematically broken up and destroyed."

Paul Whelch, chairman of the London branch of the supporter's club, who arrived in Mellor yesterday, said: "I am not sure how many supporters will turn up.

"Feelings are running high. The protest is to make the people in the area aware of what is happening and to let Mr Archer know how fans feel."

But one of Mr Archer's neighbours, Ian Black, 60, of Whinney Lane, feels that the protest will be "a storm in a teacup" for the chairman.

Mr Black said: "I wish the supporters luck but it will not make any difference to him at all. In my opinion, he will let it pass without a thought."

There was no reply at Mr Archer's home.

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