Continuing the series of looking at the careers of former players…we focus on
Versatile defender Adam Virgo.
Name: Adam Virgo
Position: Defender / Striker
Signed: 2000
Left: July 2005 – 1.5 million to Celtic
Albion appearances (goals): 73 appearances 9 goals
Adam followed in his older brother James’s footsteps by signing for Brighton and Hove Albion at the age of 17 in 2000; a year later he made his league debut.
Unfortunately he wasn`t able to command a regular first team place under Mickey Adams, Peter Taylor, Martin Hinshelwood or Steve Coppell and he even went on loan briefly to Exeter in 2002.
It wasn`t until the arrival of Mark McGhee in October 2003 that the Brighton born defender made an impact and became a first team regular with a series of impressive performances. He even scored the important equaliser in the play off semi final against Swindon that season which took the tie to penalties and subsequently, a play off win for the Seagulls and promotion back to the championship.
In the following season, he was switched to striker and adapted to the role with ease. His eight goals were vital the fight against relegation and his strike against Ipswich on the final day of the season secured the Seagulls safety.
It was also, sadly, his final goal for the club because in July 2005 Virgo was sold to Scottish giants Celtic for £1,500,000…an offer the Albion simply couldn’t refuse!
What appeared to be a dream move for the Brighton born youngster turned out to be a period of frustration as he struggled with injuries and only managed a handful of appearances as he failed to make a serious impression at Parkhead.
He returned to England in August 2006 joining Coventry on a season long loan
and once again found himself playing under ex-Seagulls boss Mickey Adams.
However, Adam once again struggled with injuries and managed just
15 appearances all season, scoring just once. He will be hoping for a turn around in fortunes next season.
As with the majority of players in this series to date, Adam has enjoyed the most successful spell of his career at Brighton.
