Chairman Tony Bloom has led the congratulations to Paul Samrah after the lifelong Albion fan had a minibus based in his home village of Henfield named after him.
The minibus, which will be used to take Albion fans to the Amex on matchdays, was provided by Community Transport Sussex and former Albion striker Glenn Murray attended the naming ceremony at the American Express Elite Performance Centre before Paul was shown around the training facilities.
Paul was unwavering in his efforts to help save the club when the Goldstone was sold in 1997 before playing an integral role in the battle to secure planning permission for the Amex.
Tony Bloom said, “Paul is a huge part of our history. He did so much for the club in its darkest hour to shine a light on its plight and help to save it.
“Ever since he has been one of our most proactive supporters, whether as an honorary PA announcer, bringing the fans together to support the club in the bid to gain permission for our new stadium and cheering the players on across the country.
“It has given me so much satisfaction to see Paul and many of his cohorts enjoying our first ever European campaign this season. He is a wonderful supporter of the club, and we all wish him well in his retirement."
Paul said, “It was a huge surprise. When our passengers get on the bus to go to the Chelsea game, they will get a surprise when they see my name emblazoned on the minibus.
“This is a different club to when we first moved to the Amex, let alone the Gillingham and Withdean days. The way we’re going anything is possible. I can’t believe any prospective Premier League player would not be blown away by the facilities at the training ground – it’s like a six-star hotel.”
Matt Roberts, chief executive of Community Transport Sussex and a lifelong Albion supporter, added, “The naming of our minibus in Paul Samrah's honour serves as a lasting testament to his enduring legacy.
“We are proud to support the Henfield Seagulls supporters’ transport for matches with him. He has done so much for the beautiful game in Sussex and is a hero to many.
“He is important to us because he lives in Henfield so the bus will be operating there.”
Former Albion striker Murray added, “It is only fitting to pay tribute to Paul whose spirit and selfless devotion helped save the club from oblivion and set it on its way too much brightest days. This is a great way to thank Paul for all he has done for our club and community.”
Albion fan Norman Cook [aka Fatboy Slim] sent his own personal tribute to Paul. “I could say something corny like we have come a long way, but the thing is we have. Through the highs and the lows he has always been there supporting the club. I am very jealous because I have never had a minibus named after me!”
Paul is currently fundraising £15,000 for Medical Life Lines Ukraine (MLLU) through the Moore Kingston Smith Community Foundation. These funds will cover purchasing, renovating and stocking of an ambulance with medical and practical aid, including dressings, equipment and defibrillators, as well as the 1,612-mile drive to Ukraine later this year.
He added, “The project is to drive the ambulance full of pharmaceutical supplies to Ukraine on 22 September. We’re looking for sponsorship and donations. It’s a four-day trip and we will deliver the ambulance at the end of the trip.”
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