Albion boss Micky Adams has put one over his former club by landing left winger Kevin McLeod from Colchester on a Bosman free transfer.

McLeod has rejected the side relegated from the Championship this season and heading into a new stadium to be reunited with Adams.

He will instead be playing against Colchester in League One next season after turning down their offer and agreeing a two-year contract with the Seagulls from July 1.

Adams worked with the 27-year-old Liverpudlian at Colchester, where he was assistant manager until leaving in January.

"He gave some outstanding performances in the Championship for Colchester and scored twice in the last game of the season at Scunthorpe," Adams said. "Colchester wanted to keep him but unfortunately they have lost him to us.

"He is a left winger who can also play centre forward and can possibly fill in at leftback if we were desperate.

"He will give us pace, he can deliver crosses and he has enthusiasm. He isn't a shy boy, so he will also liven the dressing room up to some degree.

"I've said that I want to get more crosses in the box. We have got players at the club who can produce crosses, Coxy (Dean Cox) and (Jake) Robinson when he plays down that side."

McLeod, a product of Everton's academy, made five substitute appearances for the Premier League club ahead of a £250,000 move to QPR in August 2003, which followed two loan spells at Loftus Road.

Most of his time in west London, including promotion from League One in 2004, was spent on the bench before linking up again with Rangers' assistant manager Kenny Jackett in February 2005 when he took charge at Swansea.

Transfer-listed at one stage by the Welshmen for a breach of club discipline, McLeod moved to Colchester two seasons ago on a free transfer.

As well as his last day double at Scunthorpe, McLeod scored on the opening day of the campaign at Sheffield United and against Norwich in December, raising his tally of goals for the Essex outfit to seven in 34 league starts and 18 substitute appearances.

The capture of McLeod, following the signing of Irish centre half Colin Hawkins from Coventry last week, ends speculation linking Albion with Millwall winger Ryan Smith.

Adams said: "He has done well at Millwall and has the potential to be a good player but he is not somebody that has been on my radar."

More new signings are expected during the close season, including the likely return of Darren Currie from Luton.