Brighton boss Chris Hughton has added David Weir to his backroom staff.

Former Everton defender Weir will look after players sent out on loan.

He begins work today as the Seagulls' first ever pathway development manager.

Paul Winstanley, Albion's head of recruitment, said: “With an increasing number of our younger players going out on loan, this is a particular area in which we feel it is important for us to develop.

“David will be responsible for working with those players individually and collectively, during pre-season and throughout their loan spells to help their footballing development, with the aim of assisting with their graduation to long-term first-team football.

“He will also monitor the senior professionals who are out on loan and feed back to Chris Hughton, the recruitment team and the club's coaches at the relevant level.

“David has an excellent playing and coaching CV, has excellent contacts throughout the football world and is hugely respected within the industry. We are absolutely delighted to welcome him to the club."