MIDFIELDER Stuart Myall was never renowned in his Albion days as a goalscorer, but is making up for it now.

The 25-year-old scored just four goals during his 93 appearances at the Goldstone Ground, but on Tuesday night he plundered his ninth of the campaign in Hastings' 5-1 Sussex Senior Cup win at East Preston.

Myall was surprisingly released by Seagulls manager Jimmy Case at the end of the 1995-96 season, despite proving a revelation in a midfield anchor role that year and earning a reputation for being a neat passer.

But three years later, after an unsuccessful spell at Brentford, he finds himself in non-league but desperate to get back among the professional ranks.

"I'd love to be a professional again," said Myall, who joined Hastings after a month's loan in December 1996. "I'd do it at a drop of a hat, but unfortunately it wasn't my decision to slip out.

"It's very difficult to get back in once you drop out because fitness deteriorates. I've got to battle to look after myself physically."

The Eastbourne-born player, who started his Albion career as a full-back, suffered from injury and weight problems which led to him being transfer-listed by boss Liam Brady in September 1994.

Myall remembers how hard he had to work to regain his place in the side and now in the wilderness, without the benefit of full-time training, the slide is even more difficult to arrest.

"I work behind a desk nine hours a day," said the London-based computer retail salesman. "It'll be very difficult to regain the fitness needed in the professional game, but I'm determined to have a go."

The midfielder's goals this season have lifted his confidence and he admits the time at Hastings to date has been the most enjoyable of his career.

He said: "It's a good crack. We've a nice bunch of lads at the club, we're doing well in the league and I'm scoring goals. You can't ask for much more than that."

Myall partners his old friend Danny Simmonds in the centre of the park. The two go back a long way. Both come from Eastbourne and played together in the youth ranks at Albion before winning professional contracts at the club.

"We understand each other so well," he said. "One of us plays defensive and the other gets in the box, that's the way we play and it works.

"There isn't the pressure at this level and it gives me the chance to try lots of new things and they seem to be coming off for me at the moment."

Hastings are looking to regain their place in the Premier Division, which was so cruelly taken away from them after finishing sixth last season, and Myall is determined to help them.

"And if I can keep scoring then who knows what the future holds for me," he added.

l STEVE SMITH and Terry White are both suspended for tomorrow's visit of Baldock. Central defender Matt Ball is recovering from injury and is rated 50-50 for the eastern division match.

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