David Livermore has revealed he was on too much money with Albion to go out on loan.

The 29-year-old utility player has left by mutual consent after reaching an agreement with the Seagulls over the five months remaining on his contract.

Livermore had to make a decision before the close of the January transfer window.

He said: “If I hadn’t reached a settlement on my contract I wouldn’t be a free agent now.

“The truth of the matter is I have been available for loan for a number of months now and there has not been a great deal of interest.

“From my point of view I think that has been more to do with money. There have been opportunities for me to leave the club and go on loan but the clubs that wanted to take me weren’t prepared to pay the 50% Brighton were asking. I think it was too much money for them.

“I had to make a decision before the deadline, whether to stay for the season to try to get somewhere on loan or part company, which gives me a bit more time to find a job and a bit more freedom to do that.”

Livermore was signed on a free transfer by Micky Adams in the summer of 2008, after helping Hull win promotion to the Premier League, but made only 14 starts for Albion.

He admitted: “It hasn’t worked out how I expected but I’ve enjoyed my time there.

“I think it’s a fantastic club and the lads are really good down there, probably some of the best lads I’ve played with in terms of team spirit and the friendliness of the squad.

“I am disappointed I have not fulfilled the expectations of supporters and probably myself. I’ve played the majority of my career in the Championship. I started off at Arsenal and went to Millwall in League One, adapted to that and got promoted and had six or seven seasons in the Championship.

“I’m not saying I thought it would be easy coming to Brighton but I thought I would be able to do as well as at my other clubs.”

London-based Livermore wants to continue his career in the Football League but he has not ruled out dropping into the Blue Square premier.

He added: “I might be able to train with Barnet for the time being, because one of the problems when you terminate your contract is keeping fit. You are effectively unemployed.

“I’ll just take it from there. I am looking for a job. I have always been told you should try to play at the highest level you can.

“I am still looking to play at League Two or League One level but I would never rule out the Conference.

“I need to work. I have got a family and financial commitments, so hopefully soon I’ll be back in employment.”