By Paul Holmes
August 19 2002

Striker Paul Kitson has become the first signing of Brighton boss Martin Hinshelwood after agreeing terms with The Seagulls. Kitson joins the club on a 1-year-contract with the option of another. Hinshelwood will hope that Kitson can take some of the pressure of the injured Bobby Zamora.

Hinshelwood was clearly pleased with his first signing. "We are very pleased to have signed Paul.

"We have worked patiently on the deal, but for my first signing at the club I couldn't have asked for much more.

"Paul is a quality player with a whole wealth of experience gained at the highest level."

Kitson revealed his reasons for joining the club. "I liked the way Martin came across.

"He's a good genuine person and I have heard good things about him as a coach.

"Also, the way the chairman came across and sold the club to me I was impressed by."