John Keeley, Albion's departing goalkeeping coach, revealed today that Portsmouth have made him an offer "I couldn't refuse".

The Seagulls' stalwart is leaving with a heavy heart to become the Premiership club's Academy goalkeeping coach from July on a two-year contract.

Keeley's move along the South Coast, announced yesterday on The Argus website www.theargus.co.uk, ends a ten-year association with Albion over two spells, first as No. 1 from 1986 to 1990 and then as kit man and full-time goalkeeping coach after returning in 2001.

He has been lured to Fratton Park by David Coles, who was briefly signed by the Seagulls as cover for Keeley 18 years ago.

Keeley, 45, said: "It's an offer I couldn't refuse. I've got a lot of time for Brighton and I'm sad to be going but sometimes you get an offer which you just cannot turn down.

"I'll be working with the 16-18 year-olds during the day and then for one or two nights at the Academy with David, the goalkeeping coach there. He was the one who asked me to go in.

"It's a new challenge and I am excited about it. I am leaving behind some good friends, people I have known for a long time, so at the moment I feel a little bit down about it but all the people I have spoken to think it is the right thing to do."

A disappointed Albion boss Dean Wilkins said: "We have been planning for next season with John as part of those plans but I have been in football long enough to know nothing surprises me."

Albion are in the process of indentifying a replacement for Keeley, with Stewart Murdoch the favourite.

The Sompting-based former MK Dons manager used to be a goalkeeper and is a qualified goalkeeping coach.

One of the first tasks for Keeley's Albion successor will be to help identify a new No. 1 for next season.

Long-serving Michel Kuipers has been offered another year but a succession of Albion managers, including current boss Dean Wilkins, have regarded the Dutchman as second choice.

Kuipers' current understudy is John Sullivan. The youngster has usurped the recently released Richard Martin in the pecking order but is yet to make a first team appearance.

The Seagulls have also just awarded a one-year professional contract to scholar Chris Winterton.

John Keeley gave great service to Albion. What are your favourite Keelo memories? Let us know

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