Connor Goldson began a fresh start yesterday when he linked up with former Albion team-mate Jamie Murphy and the rest of Steven Gerrard's Glasgow Rangers squad for their pre-season training camp in Malaga, Spain.

At the end of the month, on the very day that close friend Lewis Dunk and company report back to launch the Seagulls' preparations for a second season in the Premier League, Goldson moves into the new family home north of the border with long-time partner Kayleigh Higson and three-week-old son Caleb.

Re-wind to early May and he would have been hard-pressed to predict the latest twist in his career.

Not leaving Albion - that had come inevitable with his route to the first team blocked by Dunk (below) and fellow central defender Shane Duffy.

The Argus: The surprising aspect of his departure is heading to Scotland, rather than back into the English Championship.

That is not what Goldson would have forecast before Rangers made their interest known prior to what proved to be the Liverpool fan's final appearance of his 42 for Albion at Anfield as a late substitute on the last day of the Premier League season.

The 25-year-old admitted: "I wasn't sure about going to Scotland at first. I'd always thought about going into the Championship, I'd never thought about Scotland.

"When they came in I had to think about it, because they are such a big cub.

"Obviously, the new manager was a big pull, his plans for the team and what he wanted to do.

"He wants to narrow the gap between them and Celtic. It just became a big opportunity.

"At the same time, I didn't want to go to a team that wasn't winning. I wanted to keep that winning mentality that I've had from Shrewsbury and Brighton.

"I've always been used to being in winning teams and I wanted to carry that on."

Rangers may have won more league title and trebles than any other club in the world but they are playing catch-up with Celtic in the quest to add more silverware.

Gerrard's ambition to restore them to former glories, together with the support of family members, convinced Goldson to go north rather than returning to the second tier in England, where he almost ended up a year ago with Ipswich until a season-long loan switch collapsed.

The Argus: "When he (Gerrard, above) spoke to me it wasn't just him but what he wanted to do with the football club and the changes he is making," Goldson said. "It was a big attraction.

"I am a big Liverpool fan but it wasn't just Steven Gerrard that made my mind up. I couldn't make the decision just on the name of the manager and me being a Liverpool fan.

"I had to really sit own with my family and think what was the best thing for me to do. A few teams in the Championship were interested but not teams that I really fancied to be honest.

"That narrowed it down to two or three teams and the one I always wanted personally was Rangers once I knew they were interested and started putting bids in."

And so, instead of confronting a fixture list which includes a renewal of rivalries with home town club Wolverhampton Wanderers, Goldson is looking forward to Aberdeen away on August 5, the Europa League and the first Old Firm derby at Celtic on September 1.

"I think it will be an unbelievable occasion," he said. "I've never been to one myself but everything I've heard is it's the best atmosphere you'll ever hear - no game in England can replicate that atmosphere.

"The Europa League, hopefully that's another big thing. The big games with Celtic, a good Cup run, the chance to win things. That's what I have always wanted to do as a player.

"Throughout my career to get promoted, get as far as I can in Cup competitions. It's a big chance to do that and get my career back on track."

What will he miss most after three years with Albion? "Lewis Dunk probably," Goldson said. "We are really close.

"We had a great group of boys there. We had a good core in the team for a good few years.

"A few have left now, like Liam Rosenior and Steve Sidwell. We get on really closely. Everyone knows how close me and Dunky are but I'm sure we'll stay in touch.

"I'll miss a lot of things about the place. The people down to Dee, who works in the canteen. There are amazing people that work there but it's something I have to do and I can't look back, I've got to look forward now."