New Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele admits he could've signed for the Seagulls a year ago.

Steele joined Brighton from Sunderland last month.

He told The Argus: “Funnily enough I was close to coming last year.

“I was at Blackburn and a few things happened and at the time I had a decision to make.

“Obviously, looking back I made the wrong one. It was a footballing decision, but I've also got a young family from the North-East.

“My wife was pregnant at the time, so I put my family and my family's future ahead of myself.

“Everything happens for a reason. I'm here now and hopefully I can get ready to work."