The influential midfielder wasted no time in settling his future after arriving back from holiday.

Boss Brian Horton said: "I'm delighted he's put pen to paper. I think he's a very talented footballer.

"He got goals for us towards the end of last season when I tried to give him a bit of freedom to go and play."

Hackney-born Minton, now Albion's longest serving player, was signed on a free transfer from Spurs by Liam Brady four years ago.

He has been out of contract for the majority of his time with the Seagulls but a combination of Horton's confidence in him, the prospect of several new signings to strengthen the team and the move to Withdean have persuaded Minton to pledge his future to the club.

Minton, who idolised England coach Glenn Hoddle as a youngster, thrived in a struggling side last term, especially when Horton took charge in February.

He scored seven goals, including a late burst of three in four games, to finish joint-top marksman on seven with Kerry Mayo. He also dominated the fans' player-of-the-season awards.

Minton's backing for Albion follows hot on the heels of confirmation of the Withdean move and the appointment of ex-Seagulls Dean Wilkins and Martin Hinshelwood as youth team coach and director of youth respectively.

The club will announce details of ticket arrangements for Withdean next Monday.

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