Matt Upson agreed a one-year deal with Albion and revealed he never really doubted he would be back.

The former England centre-back signed as a free agent yesterday after initially impressing on loan from Stoke City last season.

His return will be warmly welcomed by Albion fans who were impressed with his contribution to statistically the best defence in the Championship last season.

Upson has had a two-month break but admits he did not have to think too hard before returning to The Amex.

He said: “Although I’m signing a permanent deal this time it doesn’t feel much different to signing on loan last season as I’m signing for the same club and I’m coming here to do the same job.”

“I’ve had a break, I knew I wasn’t going back to Stoke and Brighton offered me a contract.

“There was no real debate and I was happy to talk to Brighton and agree terms. It was very straightforward.”

Upson admits he is keen to enjoy his football after running out of contract with Stoke in the Premier League.

He added: “I’m really pleased to be back and to get back into the swing of things.

“I really enjoyed being at the club with the buzz around the place. I had a good time and I’m hungry for more.

“The footballing ethos is a real attraction for me to come back. I guess I’m in the twilight of my career and enjoying playing football is a really important thing for me.

“I’m really motivated to put my boots on and play and I’ll enjoy that. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the way that Brighton play and that’s a big factor as to why I’ve signed another year.”

Albion continue their preparations for the Championship when they head to the Madrid region on Sunday to play Getafe and Sporting Gijon.

Upson said: “I’ve been doing a few pieces of my own work but I will be a little bit behind the lads in terms of the amount of training they have done. I’ll get up to speed as soon as possible though.”