Bobby Zamora wants Albion to be the surprise package of the Championship.

The goal-getting hero of Withdean trained with his new colleagues at Lancing today after agreeing a one-year deal back in blue and white.

Zamora scored the winner for QPR in the play-off final two seasons ago after they had been widely tipped for automatic promotion.

He admits they found life in the second tier tougher than expected.

But that can give Albion hope of challenging – and helping him complete a novel hat-trick of Football League promotions in different divisions with the same club.

He told theargus.co.uk today: “Fingers crossed it can be a perfect move for myself and the club.

“It was tough (with QPR) but you all know how difficult this division is.

“I don’t think you can pick a winner now. I don’t think you could do it last year or the year before that.

“I’m sure there will be surprises this year as well.

“I don’t know where the bookies put us but hopefully we can be a surprise package and be promoted straight away.”

Zamora believes he is a week or two away from match fitness.

That could mean a debut away to one of his former clubs Fulham a week on Saturday.

He added of his move: “Everything is just perfect. Speaking to Chris (Hughton) about the way he wants to play, everything seems to slot in perfectly.”