NATIONAL League South side Whitehawk are hoping to change their name to Brighton City FC – but some supporters have expressed their disappointment at the proposal.
The Hawks made headlines in this year’s FA Cup as Steve King’s side narrowly lost to Dagenham & Redbridge in their televised second round tie.
Despite the increased profile, the club are hoping to become Brighton City for next season and have started discussions with the Football Association.
The east Brighton club previously looked into the change in 2013 and although the move didn’t happen, they are trying again.
A club statement read: “Whitehawk have registered their intentions to apply for a name change to “Brighton City FC” for the season 2016-17 – a further update with be forthcoming in the next two weeks.”
However, fans have started a petition to register their discontent. The ‘No to Whitehawk FC being renamed ‘Brighton City FC” petition has already got 250 signatures.
“While we understand that Whitehawk’s owners want the best for the club, we do not feel that changing the club’s name to ‘Brighton City FC’ is the right choice,” it reads.
“Not only is the current name unique, but the team’s amazing FA Cup run this year offered a great amount of exposure for Whitehawk. The club is not as obscure as it’s being assumed and it’s not difficult for people to find out the information they need online.
“Not only is the Whitehawk name unique, but it has 70 years of history and links to the surrounding community.
“There has been no consultation with fans, while there’s been no more information or explanation than single sentence on the website. The people who come to Whitehawk each weekend are just as dedicated and supportive as the owners, and they deserve more communication than’s been offered so far.”
I can understand the views why not change it to ‘Whitehawk Brighton’ they keep their name to include the city they play in. I knew they played in Sussex but until the FA cup match did not know where