Brighton & Hove Albion ambition impresses Andrew Crofts

Andrew Crofts says Brighton & Hove Albion's ambition was a major reason in him re-joining the club.

The Wales international has returned to the Sussex side after spending two seasons with Norwich City.

He told BBC Sussex: "The club's made massive leaps forward. A lot of credit has got to go to the board and the gaffer [Gus Poyet].

"The club is going in the right direction and that was a massive part of why I came back."

He added: "The gaffer has put a real good squad together and the lads are buzzing for the first game of the season."

When Crofts left the Seagulls in 2010, they had just finished 13th in League One and were playing at the Withdean Stadium.

Two years on, Brighton are now in the Championship and have moved to the Amex Stadium.

The 29-year-old midfielder made his first appearance at the ground on Saturday, scoring in the 3-1 pre-season win over Champions League winners Chelsea.

"I knew the stadium was good but I had a tour around it when I signed and I couldn't believe how good it was," he continued.

"I had goose pimples even driving up to it and it was overwhelming. To run out was a good feeling.

"It was nice to get a goal but the main thing was to be back out there in the shirt."