Deadline day signing Tim Krul has spoken of his delight at joining up with former manager Chris Hughton once again at Brighton following his loan switch from Newcastle United.
The Dutchman arrived at the club on deadline day on a season long loan deal and he brings in plenty of club and international experience following his years in the game.
Speaking to the Official Site as he begins life at the Amex, Krul admitted Hughton was a huge factor in his decision to make the move.
‘I`m really excited. It`s a great club, a great opportunity and I`m really looking forward to the challenge ahead. When I heard Brighton were interested, it wasn`t a difficult decision. I know
Chris Hughton very well from my time at Newcastle and I`ve been following the club’s results over the last couple of years. They`ve made some great steps with the facilities here, and I`ve been very impressed.’
Krul went on to say.
‘A manager is very important and I know what I am going to get with Chris. He gives everybody their fair share of opportunities and I like that about him. At Newcastle he built a togetherness, which is very important in the Premier League. You also need a mentality of sticking together and he definitely managed that really well when we won the Championship with Newcastle.’
The 29 year old is looking to get his career back on track following a frustrating spell on the sidelines with injury but he’s confident those issues with his knee are long in the past now.
‘I got injured playing for my country, but that`s football. One day you`re playing for your country and then you`re out for a year. Unfortunately that`s part and parcel of the game, but I`m pleased that I can close that chapter and look forward to what this one is going to bring. The injury was two years ago now. It took a bit of time to get back, but I`m fully over it and I`m excited to look ahead now.’
Reflecting on his time at Newcastle, he only had fond memories and of course being a loan spell it doesn’t necessarily mean his time at St James’ Park is over.
‘It`s a massive part of my life. My wife and little girl were born there, so I always have that connection there, but sometimes you have managers that like to go in a different direction. They decided they wanted to go in a different direction, which was a shame, but I always have a positive view of Newcastle because they brought me everything I could wish for. I don`t have any regrets and had 11 beautiful years there, but Brighton is another family club and have got a great set-up.’
