It was the tactical switch which caught Preston North End – and most Albion fans – totally unawares.
But it went on to help the Seagulls survive in the Championship while playing at the hopelessly inadequate Withdean Stadium.
With the newly-promoted Seagulls winless and toothless at foot of the division in late August 2004, boss Mark McGhee did something radical.
He sent his big defender Adam Virgo up front to partner little goal-getter Leon Knight.
It wasn’t an in-game switch in a desperate quest for a late goal. It was more than that. Virgo started at centre-forward.
Virgo goes for goal as Leon Knight moves in for any scraps
The sweeping changes were rewarded on the half hour – when North End defender Marlon Broomes headed Darren Currie’s inswinging corner into his own net.
Albion went on to pull off a much-needed 1-0 win.
Original article
But it went on to help the Seagulls survive in the Championship while playing at the hopelessly inadequate Withdean Stadium.
With the newly-promoted Seagulls winless and toothless at foot of the division in late August 2004, boss Mark McGhee did something radical.
He sent his big defender Adam Virgo up front to partner little goal-getter Leon Knight.
It wasn’t an in-game switch in a desperate quest for a late goal. It was more than that. Virgo started at centre-forward.
Virgo goes for goal as Leon Knight moves in for any scraps
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The sweeping changes were rewarded on the half hour – when North End defender Marlon Broomes headed Darren Currie’s inswinging corner into his own net.
Albion went on to pull off a much-needed 1-0 win.
Original article