[h=3]Albion close in on Upson[/h]9:00am Wednesday 10th July 2013 in Albion By Andy Naylor
Matthew Upson impressed on loan for Albion last season
Albion*are closing in on recapturing Matt Upson.
They have been in talks with the former England centre-half and hope to conclude a deal before the first team squad fly out to Spain on Sunday.
The return of Upson would be a huge boost for the Seagulls and supporters ahead of their third Championship campaign at The Amex.
Ex-England left-back Wayne Bridge has signed for rivals Reading after starring on loan to Albion from Manchester City last season.
Fans have been fretting about losing Upson from the meanest defence in the Championship as well following a turbulent summer, with boss Gus Poyet sacked pending an appeal and Spaniard Oscar Garcia appointed head coach.
Upson became a key figure in the side which reached the play-offs under Poyet before losing over two legs to arch-rivals Crystal palace.
The 34-year-old arrived on loan from Premier League Stoke City at the end of the January transfer window for the rest of the season.
He forged effective partnerships with first Adam El-Abd and then fit-again captain Gordon Greer.
Upson’s vast experience and aerial prowess proved pivotal in helping Albion clinch a top six spot with only three defeats in 18 outings.
The change of leadership has not dissuaded him and The Argus understands the former Arsenal and West Ham stopper, released by Stoke, is ready to follow El-Abd in putting pen to paper.
Long-serving El-Abd has just signed a new two-year contract. Upson’s return would give Garcia healthy options at the heart of the defence, with Greer and Lewis Dunk also involved in the fight for places.
Original article
Albion*are closing in on recapturing Matt Upson.
They have been in talks with the former England centre-half and hope to conclude a deal before the first team squad fly out to Spain on Sunday.
The return of Upson would be a huge boost for the Seagulls and supporters ahead of their third Championship campaign at The Amex.
Ex-England left-back Wayne Bridge has signed for rivals Reading after starring on loan to Albion from Manchester City last season.
Fans have been fretting about losing Upson from the meanest defence in the Championship as well following a turbulent summer, with boss Gus Poyet sacked pending an appeal and Spaniard Oscar Garcia appointed head coach.
Upson became a key figure in the side which reached the play-offs under Poyet before losing over two legs to arch-rivals Crystal palace.
The 34-year-old arrived on loan from Premier League Stoke City at the end of the January transfer window for the rest of the season.
He forged effective partnerships with first Adam El-Abd and then fit-again captain Gordon Greer.
Upson’s vast experience and aerial prowess proved pivotal in helping Albion clinch a top six spot with only three defeats in 18 outings.
The change of leadership has not dissuaded him and The Argus understands the former Arsenal and West Ham stopper, released by Stoke, is ready to follow El-Abd in putting pen to paper.
Long-serving El-Abd has just signed a new two-year contract. Upson’s return would give Garcia healthy options at the heart of the defence, with Greer and Lewis Dunk also involved in the fight for places.
Original article