Dean Hammond has vowed to win back over the Albion fans after rejoining the club.

Hammond made a controversial move to Colchester at the end of the 2008 January transfer window, following seven years with the Seagulls.

The Hastings-born midfielder further upset supporters by celebrating a goal in front of them for Southampton at Withdean.

Hammond, back at Albion on a one-year loan from Saints, said: “I want to prove myself and get them back on side. I look forward to the challenge.

“I'm very different and I've grown up. One of the major reasons for coming back is the way the club play and the way they pass the ball.

“It's fantastic. I have played against them a few times and Brighton dominate games.”

Hammond will complete a boyhood dream by playing for Albion at The Amex after featuring in Southampton's 3-0 defeat at the Seagulls' new stadium in January.

The 29-year-old, who could make his first appearance in the home game against Sheffield Wednesday on September 14, said: “It's a different club now. The stadium is amazing and I can't wait to get going.

“I saw the plans when I was 15 and it's amazing to see it come to life. It will be a dream to play at this stadium as a Brighton player and I have been dreaming of that since a boy.”