Will Hoskins has revealed how Albion boss Gus Poyet gave him a massive confidence boost before he had even signed him.
The former Watford man has joined the Seagulls on a two-year deal after an impressive season at relegated Bristol Rovers.
Hoskins would have signed for the Seagulls on loan, with a view to buy, in March had Rovers been able to secure the services of Rory Fallon as a replacement.
Now Hoskins has told The Argus how Gus Poyet’s mid-season interest put a massive spring in his step, despite the prospect of relegation.
Hoskins said: “I just kept going because I knew anything could happen between then and the summer and I wanted to try to keep Rovers in the division.
“But it makes you more confident than ever because you know that a team at the top of the league like Brighton are looking at you.
“I left Watford on a free and it’s not nice being unwanted like that. It was great to know Brighton wanted me.”
Hoskins was unaware of Poyet’s interest in bringing him south on a permanent deal last summer.
He admitted he would have left in March, despite being happy at Rovers, and added: “The decision was out of my hands.
“But how can you turn down a team who are top of the league and playing the football they were playing? It’s a no-brainer.
“You have your personal goals and I could see I could turn a relegation fight into promotion.
“We kept going at Rovers but it seemed whatever could go wrong did go wrong.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel