AN ALBION legend has died.

The club announced Wally Gould, who starred for the Seagulls in the 1960s, died on Saturday aged 79.

Wally was a right-winger for Albion and was their top scorer in the 1964/65 season, helping them to Fourth Division glory with his 21 goals.

He played for the Seagulls for four seasons, having moved to Sussex for a fee of £4,000 after spells at Sheffield United and York City.

Wally, from Yorkshire, went on to make 193 appearances for the club, bagging 43 goals in his time at the Goldstone.

An Albion statement said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Albion great Wally Gould.

“Wally’s consistently high level of performance in the blue and white stripes endeared him to the Goldstone faithful.

“We pass on our sincere condolences to Wally’s family and friends at this very sad time.”

One of Wally’s greatest moments with the Seagulls came on April 26, 1965, when he scored in a 3-1 win against Darlington at the Goldstone to clinch the league title in front of 31,423 fans.

He left Albion in 1968 to ply his trade in South Africa, where he enjoyed successful times at Durban United, Hellenic and East London United.

Former Albion chairman Dick Knight has paid tribute to Wally, who he admired as a player and knew on a personal level.

Mr Knight told The Argus: “For me, Wally’s legend is his major contribution to the Albion’s reputation over the years of always trying to play fast, attacking football.

“I’ll never forget his dazzling, jinking wing play sending defenders in a spin.

“Very few players would score goals at the rate Wally did.

“His contribution to the enjoyment of the crowd showed he was a true entertainer on the football pitch.”

Mr Knight likened him to Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and former Manchester United great George Best because of the way he played his football. He added that Wally attended events at Brighton Racecourse held during Mr Knight’s time as chairman.

“He was a lovely chap,” said Mr Knight. “It’s very sad. He always had a smile on his face off the pitch and always played with a smile on his face. I have very fond memories of him.”