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Stockdale aims for Premiership with Brighton

last updated Tuesday 29th July 2014, 12:47 PM


 Fulham keeper David Stockdale
Fulham keeper
David Stockdale
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David Stockdale
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Former Fulham keeper David Stockdale believes he can make a quick return to the Premier League with Albion.

The top flight ambition of Sami Hyypia's Seagulls convinced the goalkeeper to move from Fulham following their relegation last season.

Stockdale has signed a three-year contract after the clubs agreed a fee, believed to be in the region of £1 million, on Saturday.

The 28-year-old Yorkshireman said: "It was pretty out of the blue, I was getting ready for the new season when Brighton showed an interest. I only really knew for sure on Saturday, when a fee was agreed and here I am two days later.

"I've had a look around and seen what the club is trying to do. The facilities here, with the training ground and stadium, are state-of-the-art. I spoke to the manager, David Burke and Paul Barber, and they all want to go in one direction and that's the Premier League.

"I already know Antti (Niemi) very well from when he was at Fulham and that is another draw for me: working with someone I know. He was a great goalkeeper when he was playing and I know can learn from him as well.

"Albion have got a lot of history and they've come such a long way in the last five years, and after speaking to everyone at the club I was delighted to come.

"Everyone spoke about where the club's heading and the manager said we're a club with Premier League facilities, and we're now striving to get there as a team.

"When someone comes to you and says they want you to be a part of that and we're willing to pay a significant fee, and then help you on our way with the facilities and infrastructure, how can you turn down a chance to play at a club like this?

"It's nice for Brighton to show faith in me as a player. They've paid an awful lot of money for me and hopefully I can pay it back and help the club get into the Premier League next year."

Stockdale is already a regular day-tripper to Brighton with his wife and three children.

He said: "I am only half an hour up the M23. So I bring the wife and the kids down here. We really like it here.

"The kids are really excited about the move and they can't wait to come back to Brighton - but they want to come down for ice cream on the pier rather than the football!"






















Source Andy Naylor at The Argus
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