Former Albion talent-spotter Mark Anderson has joined Eastbourne Borough as head of recruitment.

Anderson played a key role in bringing players including Ben White and Robert Sanchez to the Seagulls.

He is also credited with discovering Raheem Sterling.

Anderson left Albion to take up a role at Manchester United having previously worked with Liverpool.

He will take up his new post on January 1.

Anderson is looking forward to teaming up with Borough club owner Simon Leslie, chief executive Alan Williams and head coach Mark Beard.

Via a statement released by the club this morning, Anderson said: “Alan and Simon made contact with me, and they asked about my availability. I’m currently out of football doing a one-year gap, and they spoke to me about the project and what’s going on.

“I’ve studied the club, what Simon does, and that excites me. He’s a people person and not only wants to develop the club, but also the people.”

Borough are looking to climb away from the lower reaches of Vanarama National League south.

But Williams says his job is also looking long-term.

He said: “I like the sound of the project, what their visions are.

“It’s not a quick fix. I know the culture, the environment, the characters we need. I think working with Brighton is no different to what Eastbourne are doing on a smaller scale.

“I was lucky to be part of the new stadium and training ground at Brighton.

“We had a job to do to get systematic coverage and look outside of Sussex, and it was a good project. I can see a lot of similarities to what Eastbourne want to do. “Speaking to Simon and Alan, there is a plan and that’s what I like. In reality, quick fixes aren’t possible.

“Moving to full-time, it will take time to see the fruitions but I’m excited by the opportunity.

“People will be surprised – it will be a big statement. I get offered work quite a lot by bigger clubs, but I feel there would be a much better job for me at Eastbourne to help them grow.”