WHITEHAWK have withdrawn the application to change their name to Brighton City FC after fans made it clear they opposed the proposal.
The National League South side outlined their intentions last week with chairman John Summer saying the move would help the club become more sustainable.
After the news came out, Whitehawk fans started an online petition against the name change and almost 1,500 people signed.
Chairman Summers spent time with Hawks supporters during Saturday’s game at Chelmsford and the club have now confirmed their application to the FA has been withdrawn.
Summers said: “The club and its members have had numerous meetings as a club over the past few seasons and it was unanimously agreed that a name change would be required in order to widen the clubs appeal and to embrace the city as a whole. Our target of an average gate of 1000 regular fans to provide sustainability is still achievable.
“I made a point of standing on the terraces with The Ultras yesterday (Saturday) at the Chelmsford match to engage with them first hand and they made it abundantly clear to me that although they understood the need to embrace the city, they dismissed the name ‘Brighton City’ as their preferred choice. It was good to be amongst them and listen to their views personally and I thank them all for their input.
“Nobody should have had any doubts about the club’s aspirations, all of the investors and members had voted for it, however we have listened to the fans.
“They have made it very clear to us that if we are changing our name they prefer other options such as ‘Brighton Whitehawk’ or ‘Brighton East End’ so we will all have a beer together and work to build the club.”
