Rosenior: Watching Team-mates Succeed Was Special

Departing Brighton & Hove Albion defender Liam Rosenior pinpointed the success of his team-mates as his standout highlight from his time at the club - a journey which saw the 33-year-old help the Seagulls reach the Premier League and stay there.

Rosenior’s contract on the south coast runs out at the end of June, and the fans’ favourite reflected on his most-cherished memories from his three-year spell at the club, which saw him make 51 appearances under Albion boss Chris Hughton.

He said, “There are so many highlights - even the first season when we didn’t make it. Getting promoted was great, and the Manchester United game at home, they’re all small things that are pinpointed.

“But the highlight for me was meeting the players, coaches and staff. I’ve watched something develop over time.

“When I first came here, I looked around and met the manager and people working at the club. I saw the stadium and training ground, and I just knew this club was going to take off.

“I saw potential in players and it was great to see their potential recognised - players like Dale [Stephens], Solly [March] and Dunky [Lewis Dunk] being outstanding in the Premier League.

“I remember having a conversation with Bruno when we first met and he told me it ‘was’ his dream to play in the Premier League - and I said ‘it is your dream, you’re still good enough’.

“Seeing other players, such as Bruno, playing well in the Premier League, that was pretty much the highlight for me.”

It was confirmed earlier this month that Rosenior would not be offered a new deal at the Amex Stadium, and the full-back admitted his disappointment to be leaving, while also understanding the decision.

“Obviously it’s always difficult when you’re told that your services aren’t needed anymore - I’m quite a proud person and when you’re a proud person, you always think you have more to give.

“But at the same time, I completely understand the manager’s decision and the club’s decision.

“If I was a coach or a manager, I’d want the age of the squad to come down, and unfortunately I’m on the older side of that.

“I prefer to look at the positives - what an amazing three years it’s been for me, both on the pitch and off it. The people I’ve met and the memories made have been absolutely fantastic.”

As well as the high moments, Rosenior also commented on the more testing times at the club, before highlighting his pride towards the way Albion bounced back from their 2016 visit to the Riverside Stadium.

“Middlesbrough was devastating because we really believed. Had Dale not been sent off, I think we would have won that game.

“But I think everything happens for a reason, and maybe at that point in our development as a club, we may not have been ready for Premier League football.

“If we’d have got promoted then, we possibly could have been in the Championship now. The club has grown at the right speed, no matter how devastating it was at Middlesbrough.

“To see the performances over the following years, in getting promoted and playing in the Premier League, it’s been absolutely fantastic.”