Club news

Button Reflects On Albion Debut

By Alex Stedman • 22 July 2018

Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper David Button was pleased to make his debut for the club in yesterday’s pre-season friendly against AFC Wimbledon, despite the 2-1 defeat.

The summer arrival from Fulham played the full 90 minutes at the Cherry Red Records Stadium as he pulled on Albion colours for the first time, and he reflected on the experience fondly despite the end scoreline.

He said, “It’s always good to get out on the field and put the badge on for the first time – it wasn’t the result we wanted but pre-season is more about getting the minutes in your legs for the new campaign. 

“There had been a bit of contact over the summer, so I was really pleased to get it over the line and have the bid accepted.

“I’m delighted to be here and I’m ready to get my head down and work hard now.”

Button arrived at the club on Monday, with Mathew Ryan also returning to the Seagulls this week following his exploits for Australia during the FIFA World Cup in Russia, and the summer recruit emphasised that he was relishing the competition for a place in-between the sticks.

“I’m not coming in blind to the situation, but I want to impress and be ready for the chance in the side - there has to be healthy competition wherever you are as a player and hopefully I can provide that for him [Ryan]. 

“There could be a chance for me and Jason [Steele] in January if Maty goes away to the Asia Cup with Australia, so we’ll both be working hard to ensure we’re ready for that if the opportunity arises. 

“I know he’s very well thought of but at the same time you have to back yourself and work hard every day and do as well as you can.”

The former Tottenham Hotspur, Brentford and Charlton Athletic keeper also discussed the style of play Chris Hughton’s side adopt, comparing it with that at his former employers last season, before looking back on his time with Albion so far. 

“I’m confident with the ball at my feet – it’s a slightly different style to Fulham and we are allowed to go a bit more direct here and it’s something I feel I’m good at. 

“I think it’s a bit less risky – we play when we can and keep it when we can – the risk factor involved in playing it out of defence is less for me here though.

“But I’ve loved it and really enjoyed it, I feel like I’ve settled very quickly, and it feels very familiar already which is good – the reception off the fans was nice because that relationship is important if you need confidence and a boost, so hopefully that can continue.”