GARY HART is saying an emotional goodbye to Albion – by leading the team out in their first match at The Amex.

The Seagulls stalwart will captain the reserves in tomorrow’s Sussex Senior Cup final against Eastbourne Borough.

Hart was released by the club at the end of last season after 13 years’ service.

The 34-year-old has been training on and off with Albion during pre-season while he sorts out his future.

His appearance as skipper in the opening game at the new stadium fulfills a pledge made by manager Gus Poyet after Hart helped the reserves reach the final last season.

Hart said: “The gaffer mentioned to me when we knew we were in the final that he wanted me to play, even though I wasn’t here.

“It’s nice. I think everyone wants me to have a game at The Amex just to say I have played there. It’s been the longest wait in the world.”

Hart, signed by Albion when they were groundsharing with Gillingham, had a quiet look at The Amex earlier this week.

“I went there on Wednesday, had a wander around on my own and took a few pictures,” he said. “It’s unbelievable, really nice.

“It made me feel a little bit gutted that it has taken so long and I will never play a league game there.

“I know it’s not the club’s fault but I should have been there five years ago.”

Tickets for the final went on sale on-line last night. They are also available from 10am today by phone or from the club shop in central Brighton.

Poyet will use 22 players again in tonight’s friendly against Whitehawk at Worthing (7.45pm), including Craig Mackail-Smith and Will Hoskins. They both sat out Wednesday’s game against Horsham.