Club news

Burn Ready For Premier League Return

By Alex Stedman • 09 August 2018

Brighton & Hove Albion’s new defender Dan Burn is relishing the chance to play in the Premier League for the second time after joining from Wigan Athletic on Thursday afternoon. 

The 26-year-old will initially head back to the Latics on loan for the first half of the 2018/19 campaign, but is eager to ply his trade in the top flight in the New Year having made nine appearances for Fulham in the 2013/14 season.

He said, “I’m buzzing to be here because it’s been in the pipeline for a little while, so I’m very glad to get it over the line. 

“I get another crack at the Premier League, so hopefully I can do my bit to help the team – I saw a lot of their matches on the TV last season and they did very well. 

“I don’t know many of the lads personally, but I’ve played against most of them, so I was very glad to see them do well.” 

“They’ve recruited very well this summer and hopefully the club can kick on again this season.” 

The central defender made 53 appearances from Paul Cook’s men across all competitions last term, as the side won promotion back to the Sky Bet Championship and reached the Emirates FA Cup quarter finals.

It was a domestic run which included a victory over eventual Premier League champions Manchester City, and Burn reflected fondly on a campaign where he also notched on six occasions.

“It was a really successful year last season for both the team and myself personally and I loved it. 

“It was great to play so many matches with the cup as well and that’s what it’s all about. 

“Promotion was our main aim at the start of the season and we managed to achieve that and get the club back into the Championship, so we were all delighted.”

“I managed to score some goals and I needed that because of my height, it was nice to get that number and hopefully I can build on that because it’s something I want to improve in my game.”

Albion’s ninth summer arrival becomes the second central defender to move to the south coast during the close season after Leon Balogun and emphasised his desire to compete for a place within the side in the latter half of the season.

“The competition within this squad is very good in my position, I’ve played against Shane Duffy and Lewis Dunk many times so I know what their strengths are, and Leon Balogun is someone I’ve also heard good things about. 

“It’s something I’m relishing in the Premier League – hopefully we can push all of the central defenders on to be better.

“For now, I want to help Wigan as much as I can until January and then be fully prepared to help Brighton from there onwards."

Fans can watch Dan Burn's first interview as an Albion player above on Seagulls TV - and fans can sign up to the service by clicking here.