Richie Towell signs for Brighton

Brighton and Hove Albion today announced that they have agreed a contract with former Dundalk midfielder Richie Towell on a two and a half year deal. Subject to international clearance, Towell will be eligible to play for Brighton from the second of January as his new club attempt to gain promotion to the Premier Division.

The 24 year old previously had spells at Celtic and Hibernians (with Pat Fenlon as manager), where he played as a right back or midfielder. In the summer of 2012 he returned to Ireland and played for Bluebell United before signing for Dundalk for the 2013 season. In three seasons playing League of Ireland football he has won the league twice and finished second once.

His personal accolades also include the PFAI Young Player of the Year in 2013 and the PFAI Player of the Year 2015 while he made the PFAI Team of the Year in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

Last season Towell netted 29 times while Dundalk fans will now undoubtedly be wondering who manager Stephen Kenny may be planning to bring in in order to replace his former talisman. Big goals from the young star saw the midfielder hit the back of the net to clinch the league title for Dundalk in Tallaght against Shamrock Rovers and then also less than a month later in extra-time as he scored the winner in the FAI Cup Final.

A delighted Brighton manager, former Irish international full back, Chris Hughton expressed his joy at Towell's decision to join the Sussex side who are currently in the mix for promotion to the English Premier League.

Speaking to his club's website, he enthused over his new signing saying, "Richie's had a wonderful season in Ireland and scored a lot of goals for the champions Dundalk from midfield, and that really caught our eye.

“He is something different to the number of very good midfield options we already have here at the club, and I am really looking forward to having him as part of our squad in the New Year. He had a lot of good options available for his next move; here in England, in Scotland, in Ireland with Dundalk and in Europe, so we are delighted he has decided to join us.

"He's played a full season since March, but has already made it clear he is keen to be ready to play in January, and keen to begin training with us as soon as possible. We will give him some time off for a well-deserved break, as he's played a lot of football in the past nine months, but I am certain he will be ready for us in January and will be an excellent addition to the squad."