Interviews

Elphick: I would love to return to Albion

Former defender would be delighted to renew strong ties with his first club.

By Charlie Hanson • 01 December 2020

By Paul Hazlewood
Tommy Elphick would like to return to Albion in a coaching capacity one day.

Tommy Elphick would welcome the chance to be a coach with Albion once he hangs up his boots.

The 33-year-old Huddersfield defender came through the ranks and played nearly 200 times for the club.

“I have got a strong bond with a lot of clubs, and none more so than Brighton. I would always be open to returning there, it is where I was born and raised.

“The journey I had at Brighton put me in a good place for the career I have had. Some of the coaches growing up were the best that I have come across, some of the lessons I was taught were the best I've had.

By Paul Hazlewood
Tommy Elphick made 182 appearances for Albion, enjoying promotion with the club in 2011.

“I still stand for certain things that were instilled in me in my youth-team days at Brighton. I have got a strong belief for how the game should look on and off the pitch, so hopefully it stands me in good stead when I do decide to stop playing.

“I have never hidden the fact I want to stay in football once my playing career comes to an end. I have worked under some really good managers, had relative success in my career and hopefully I can pass some of that on.

“I have completed a few of my coaching badges and I am on my way to completing my A licence. I still want to play for as long as I can and finish on a positive note.

“Getting back and playing games with Huddersfield is definitely my priority, but I have got an eye on getting into coaching and hopefully manage one day.”

Until then, he has to be content with catching his boyhood club on the TV.

“I have only been back to the Amex when I have been on the opposite side. Glenn Murray is one of my oldest pals in football and now he's gone you lose a bit of a grip on what's happening. Now I just watch them as a fan on TV.”

By Paul Hazlewood
Tommy Elphick is still close with former teammate Glenn Murray.