With yesterday evenings late confirmation that striker Sam Baldock had completed a permanent transfer out to Championship side Reading, Brighton and Hove Albion fans were quick to say their goodbyes and had incredibly fond words for the man.
✍️ Sam Baldock has left Albion to join Championship side @ReadingFC on undisclosed terms.
All the best for the future Sam! 👏#BHAFC 🔵⚪️
Read ➡️ https://t.co/v1M4BU8Q8s pic.twitter.com/Uw6j7iyQTM
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) July 30, 2018
The 29-year-old arrived at the Amex Stadium back in August 2014 from Bristol City and he went on to make 78 starting appearances, 16 substitute showings and in that time, across all competitions, he returned 20 goals.
Having more than played his part in our ultimate promotion into the top-flight and the Premier League, game time was limited given the strengthening we saw in recent transfer windows so it’s no surprise to see him move on really.
94 appearances, 20 goals, one promotion and one Mario Kart celebration!
Thanks for the memories Sam! 👏 pic.twitter.com/Hi8uOfzU8C
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) July 30, 2018
He’s signed a three-year deal at the Madejski Stadium and manager Chris Hughton had glowing words about the role he played under him. Speaking to the Official Site he explained.
“Sam has been a pleasure to work with during my time here, and he played a key role in our journey to the Premier League. His attitude and professionalism has been excellent, especially after not having as much game time as he would have liked last season. This move will allow him to play regular first-team football, and I would like to wish him all the very best for the future on behalf of everyone at the football club.”
Reacting to the news on social media, fans were sad to see him go but understood the move and more than wished him well for the future.
Thankyou Sam. Part of the best year I’ve ever had supporting our team. Played your part in the journey and cant thank you enough. Good luck in the future. ???? pic.twitter.com/Nnzy1ej0Af
— AlbionEdits (@EditedBHA) July 30, 2018
The Mario Kart King.
— Charlie Palethorpe (@ChazPalethorpe) July 30, 2018
All the best Sam we love you here thank you for everything ❤️❤️
— Nadav (@SimplyHemed) July 30, 2018
Goodbye Super Sam. He will always be remembered very well here, part of the famous squad that got us to the PL. I hope reading fans know they’re getting a very good player at that level. Thank you Sam! #BHAFC
— Isaac ???????????????? (@ffsiq06) July 30, 2018
Good Luck Sam! Will always remember that beauty against QPR ????????????⚪️
— Dan ⚽️⚽️⚽️ (@Dan__BHAFC) July 30, 2018
Sam all the best for the future ! You were an integral part of our rise to the Premier league !! Thank you for the part you played on our amazing journey to the promised land !!! UTA !!!
— Aphro seagull (@ChrisCookrecy) July 30, 2018
Good luck Sam, shame you was never given an opportunity in the PL.????
— owen (@owenbhafc_) July 30, 2018
Thank you sam, you were part of one of the greatest sides I’ve ever witnessed as a Albion fan. You made all our dreams come true. Good luck for the future!! #bhafc
— Kevin Ticehurst (@Brightonfan) July 30, 2018