Gus Poyet plans to build Brighton team around Mackail-Smith

Brighton boss Gus Poyet says he wants to build a team around new signing Craig Mackail-Smith after snaring the highly sought-after Peterborough striker.

The Seagulls have seen off competition from a host of other clubs to secure Mackail-Smith signature on a four-year contract. The fee is reported to be £2.5million, but could rise to £3.2million with add-ons.

The Scotland international scored 35 goals for Posh last season as they secured promotion to the Championship, making him hot property..

Championship rivals Leicester and West Ham both had £3 million bids accepted, while QPR were also reported to be interested.

Poyet told the club's official website: "He is a player that we can build our team around, which is why I was so keen to bring him here, and one of the most pleasing aspects for me is that we have signed him despite interest from some other big, big teams.

"Some thought it was a done deal that he would be heading elsewhere, but we got the player which is good, as it shows that we want to go places, to do better. A signing like that can only help us as we try to bring more players in.

"When I first sat down with the chairman, Craig was at the top of my list, our number one target, so I am absolutely delighted to have signed him.

"He is going to be a key player for us. He was the best player in League One last year, he scored the most goals, he scored in the play-off final, and he's got everything we need to help make our strike-force one of the best."

 

Well we were thinking he would be on and off the bench for us.

That's probably why you got him.

 

Maybe or maybe he wanted to join a club with ambition a brand new stadium new training facilities and a good vibe about the place

 

If Fry and MacAnthony hadn't played games with our chief exec, he could have played in the Prem next year.

And now, Darragh is whinging because Norwich have slapped an 'unrealistic' price tag on hot-shot Cody MacDonald !! Pots and Kettles, anyone?

Good luck for the new season in your new stadium, seagulls

 

Thanks Cromer, if we have a sucessful season please stop nicking our best players lol

Good luck to you guys

 

Go and cry to your mummy little boy, talk about arrogant, I think we and you will be in for a shock next season, there is no way you will walk it

 

Great signing, see the jealous guys posting already???

 

You've got a Gem, I hope he does well for you. his work rate is phenomenal.

 

Good player, but to build a team around him, well thats just copying a P'boro L1 blueprint, surely?
Can that work, I don't think it will in the NPC.