Michels Kuipers has revealed how a career in the Dutch marines equipped him for the challenge of English football.

Albion's new goalkeeper served in the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps for four and a half years before joining Bristol Rovers.

He believes that experience has given him the physical and mental strength to cope with the highs and lows of life as a professional footballer.

The Dutch equivalent of our Official Secrets Act prevents Kuipers delving into too much detail about his career as one of Holland's 3,000 marines.

But he told the Argus: "I worked in different areas. You can compare it with the SAS special forces.

"It is not like the normal military. I was surrounded by people who only thought about doing a really professional job."

The marines are responsible for military and physical training within the Dutch navy. They also provide military support on request and have a counter terrorist unit to deal with hostages and hijacks.

Their website reveals: "Anyone opting for the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps knows that he will be pushed to the limits: extreme cold, tropical heat, often operating on the border between land and water.

"Obviously, this is not everyone's cup of tea. A marine must have a healthy dose of physical and mentall energy."

Kuipers' resolve was put to the test when he bought himself out of the marines in January last year to join Rovers on a free transfer from SDW, a semi-professional club based in his home city of Amsterdam.

Almost all of his time was spent in the reserves, with the exception of a solitary first team appearance in a match at Bournemouth.

"Being in the marines has helped my football," Kuipers said. "You go through a difficult period, starting from zero when everybody around you is professional.

"If you don't have the right attitude it is really hard to progress. My marine training really helped me. It gave me the mental strength.

"Within those four and a half years it was amazing the kind of courses I did and the progress I made.

"The marines taught me physical fitness too. I was used to training every day anyway, speed marching and going up mountains with heavy backpacks.

"What they look for more than anything is people who can take responsibility."

Kuipers was a popular figure in the Rovers' dressing room, adopting the Dutch Marine Corps motto "Qua Patet Orbis". Translated it means "as far as the world extends".

"I stand for that motto," he said. "When I joined Bristol Rovers I brought that feeling to other players as well.

"Every player has a place in the squad. I always work hard and people appreciate that."

Kuipers, 26 last Monday, abandoned a "bright future" in the marines to pursue a full-time professional career in England.

His older brother, Ramon, does not play the game, but he could not resist Rovers' offer of a two-year contract after impressing them in trials.

"Inside, football is my biggest love," Kuipers said. "I had the opportunity to go to Bristol and I had to take it.

"I came from semi-professional football and in the last year I have developed so much.

"I have definitely made progress, training every day and having professional people around me. Now I hope I can use that experience with Brighton."