Albion sign experienced defender

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Chris Hughton has made Liam Rosenior his first summer signing, with the former Tiger joining the Seagulls on a three-year contract.

The versatile 30-year-old left Hull City at the end of the season after five years on Humberside – during which time he helped the Tigers win promotion to the Premier League and reach the FA Cup final in 2014.

The former England under-21 international – who’s the son of former player and manager, and now BBC pundit, Leroy Rosenior – also played 92 times for Fulham during their time in the top flight in a four-year spell at Craven Cottage.

Hughton said, “We are delighted to have brought Liam in as our first summer signing. He’s a terrific professional, has a wealth of experience – which is something that is important for us – and during our negotiations showed a great desire to join us and be part of this club, despite some attractive options elsewhere.

“He’s played at lot of games in the Premier League, is an extremely versatile defender, and can play at left or right full-back.”

Rosenior began his career at Bristol City, and having broken into the first team at Ashton Gate, he was bought by Fulham in 2003, then in the Premier League.

He spent time on loan at Torquay United, where dad Leroy was manager, before returning to West London and establishing himself as a regular in the Fulham side.

After four years at Craven Cottage he joined Reading in 2007, where he had a three-year stay, although the last season of his spell was spent on loan at Ipswich Town.

In 2010 he joined Hull City, and in his four years on Humberside helped the Tigers win promotion, retain their position in the Premier League and played in the 2014 FA Cup final.