Seagulls have got a bargain

That is the verdict of a Swansea supporters' leader devastated by the popular midfielder's last-gasp move from the Vetch Field to the Seagulls on transfer deadline day.

Keith Haynes reckons the deal represents the last nail in the Second Division Swans' relegation coffin and will make sure Albion bypass them by clinching promotion.

Haynes, head of the Swansea supporters' club in England, said: "Brighton have definitely got a bargain.

"All the Swansea fans I know are fed up that Martin has gone. Every side needs a grafter in midfield and we haven't got one now.

"He is the sort of battling, hard-tackling player you will get 100 per cent from who ever he plays for. He has been one of the favourites at Swansea because he scores crucial goals as well.

"He knocked West Ham out of the FA Cup and he scored a superb winner for us at Notts County earlier this season.

"He is a top man, the type you need either to get out of trouble or get out of the division you are in."

Thomas made the last of his 24 appearances for Swansea this season just before Christmas. He was on the transfer list after falling out with boss John Hollins.

Events took a swift turn when Albion manager Micky Adams renewed his interest in his former team-mate at Southampton and Fulham.

Hollins was prepared to release Thomas, providing Albion took over his contract for the rest of the season.

The paperwork was completed 45 minutes before the transfer dealine and within hours Lyndhurst-born Thomas was on a train down to his parents' home near Romsey, Southampton.

He borrowed his mum's car the following morning for the drive to his first training session with the Seagulls and a reunion with familiar faces from his Fulham days, such as Paul Watson and Richard Carpenter.

"I didn't find out about Brighton's interest until after training at Swansea," Thomas explained. "I was just going for a shower when the youth team manager told me the boss wanted a word.

"I assumed it was about a move. I wasn't playing and it didn't look like I was going to be playing in the future.

"I had played nearly every game in the previous two years, but I was in and out this season and I didn't know if I was coming or going.

"Then from December I was out injured for two months after bruising bones in an ankle.

"It was a case of mixed emotions in the end. I had some good times at Swansea and the supporters were brilliant to me, so it was sad in a way.

"They have got a tough job on, but I hope they stay up. I would love to go back down to the Vetch next season to play them.

"I had three good seasons there and I've got nothing to prove.

"I wanted to get away because I need to be playing and I am excited about coming here. I made my mind up straight away.

"It looks like Brighton are going up and I just hope I can help them get there.

"The lads have done all the hard work so far this season. I just hope I can add that little bit more."

Thomas was not just a playing colleague of Adams during his four years at Fulham.

He was also a prominent figure in the side at Craven Cottage which the Albion boss later steered to promotion.

The 27-year-old, who has an English father and Welsh grandparents, is an adaptable addition to the squad.

He has played at fullback and even as an emergency striker, although he regards himself now as an established midfielder.

A competitive streak is emphasised by 11 yellow cards and one red last season, when he featured in a 1-1 draw for promotion-bound Swansea at Withdean.

Thomas remembers "a wall of noise from just one side of the pitch."

The massed ranks of Albion fans in the south stand will be on his side this time as he embarks on his bid to win a more permanent deal against Mansfield on Saturday.

"Even last season you could see the ambition this club has and that it was going in the right direction," Thomas said. "I definitely want to be part of it."