Paul Watson has one foot in the Premiership, according to Albion boss Peter Taylor.

The fullback closed the Seagulls' Second Division championship campaign with a spectacular free-kick in Saturday's 1-0 win at Port Vale.

Taylor said: "It was a fantastic goal. Paul Watson's left foot is without doubt Premiership class.

"That is probably why we have won the League. We've been very solid, worked very hard and every now and again people have scored great goals.

"Bobby (Zamora) has done it all season and this time it was an outstanding free-kick by Paul."

Watson struck with 18 minutes left after Vale had striker Stephen Brooker sent off in the first half for a two-footed tackle on Richard Carpenter.

The Hastings-born defender said: "It was nice to see it go in, especially on the last day.

"We've had a brilliant two seasons. The lads and coaching staff deserve everything they get, because they work hard week in and week out on the training ground and it has paid off on the pitch.

"I am looking forward to Division One big time. It will be the first time I have played in it."

Taylor has further talks on Wednesday with chairman Dick Knight to discuss his budget for next season.

Taylor said: "It was very difficult to get into Division One and now we have got to stay there.

"There are going to be 46 cup finals. We know there are other clubs with bigger budgets and maybe better players, but they certainly won't outwork ours.

"Division Three to Two is a jump, but Two to One is an enormous jump, so you have got to be ready to play some top teams.

"I could do with four or five new players that are ready for Division One now, but we will wait and see what happens with the budget."

Taylor takes Albion back to his old club Dover tonight for a testimonial for his former signing Jimmy Strouts.

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