Manager Chris Hughton continues tweaking his Brighton squad ahead of another season in the English Premier League in the season of 2018/19.
✍️ The full story on Jason Steele's move from @SunderlandAFC.
🥅 The shot-stopper will add competition to Chris Hughton's options between the goalposts for the 2018/19 @premierleague season.#SteeleSigns #BHAFC 🔵⚪️
Read ➡️ https://t.co/zl5SQMn3pf pic.twitter.com/vpqOJm5Sd7
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) June 21, 2018
With the announcement of Niki Maenpaa’s departure and the possibility that Tim Krul could head out the door as well as talks continue over a potential new deal for him, speculation has linked us with Sunderland goalkeeper Jason Steele for a bit.
Yesterday that speculation turned into reality as the 27-year-old signed on the dotted line and agreed a three-year deal until June 2021. Steele made 18 appearances for Sunderland last season as they suffered double relegation from the Premier League into League One and it’s fair to say fans were mixed when the rumours began and undoubtedly reaction will be mixed to his signing, but he’s a Seagull now so he gets support.
Hughton spoke about his near 300 games worth of experience in the game and how he believed he would be an asset to the goalkeeping unit moving forward. With lingering concerns though, the knowledge we could be without Mat Ryan for a large chunk of January means most will be hoping Krul signs on for longer – but maybe Steele can surprise everyone now he has a fresh start?
Speaking to the Official Site as he penned his deal, he was certainly saying the right things to win over doubters.
“To come to such a great club that’s been on an upward curve over the last few seasons, I’m really excited and over the moon. I’m looking forward to getting started. I’m not silly enough to come in and think I’m going to be the number one. I’m coming here to do as best as I can to push myself and the other goalkeepers on. Ultimately, I want to work really hard and get myself in contention. I’ll try my best to do that.”
I believe you have described him as a"shot stopper" reporting this to trading standards…. item not as described. #safc
— justin collins (@justincolli71) June 21, 2018
"Shot stopper"…. that's yet to be proven
— Hyman Roth (@roth_hyman) June 21, 2018
Am amazed he can keep hold of that pen!
— Lee Gamble (@LeeGamble1973) June 21, 2018
The shot stopper more like the shot dropper
— Lewis SAFC ????⚪️????⚪️ (@ToppsKelechi) June 21, 2018
‘The shot stopper’ ????????????
— Allan (@allansafc) June 21, 2018