Club news

White Keen To Maintain Progress

By Alex Stedman • 21 April 2018

Brighton & Hove Albion defender Ben White is looking to use his new contract with the club as a catalyst for further progress in his career.

The 20-year-old defender put pen to paper on a new deal that keeps him with the club until at least 2021 on Wednesday afternoon, and insisted the challenge for him going forward was to keep developing. 

He said, “I want to push on now to the end of my loan spell with Newport County, and then when I come back for pre-season I want to show the manager what I can do. 

“If he thinks I would benefit from going out on loan again then I’d be more than happy to do that to keep progressing and playing matches.

“Our defenders here have been brilliant in the Premier League so far and the competition is fierce. I’d love to play regularly for the first team here because that’s my main goal, but I know the situation.” 

White has caught the eye with his performances for Mike Flynn’s Sky Bet League Two side this season – making 47 appearances for the Welsh outfit. 

He revealed that the man at the helm of the side was key in his decision to make the move to Rodney Parade for the current campaign.

“He’s [Mike Flynn] been brilliant with me and was one of the main reasons why I chose to move to Newport – I had a number of options available to me but he’s been great. 

“He’s always praising me but he’s also always pushing me to improve as well – he believes in me and gives me a lot of confidence.

“When I’ve done something wrong in a game he’ll let me know – but I like that because it can’t always be positive or you’d never improve.” 

This season has seen Max Sanders earn a place on the bench for the side’s Emirates FA Cup tie away at Old Trafford, and fellow U23 players have also enjoyed successful spells out on loan in the EFL and beyond.

White emphasised that it was great to be able to see the progress of his fellow teammates at all levels, and highlighted that he was glad to be able to be a part of the club. 

“It was amazing for Max [Sanders] to get that opportunity in the cup – he’s someone who I’ve played with at every level – he’s destined for great things.

“Christian’s [Walton] done well at Wigan Athletic and has benefited from going on loan like myself and that shows the ability we have coming through - I know we’ll both benefit from the time we’ve spent away this year.

“The U23s are doing really well at the moment as well so it’s a good time for the younger players at the football club.”