As me and many Albion fans alike sit down in front of the computer screen with a long enduring summer ahead, one thought will be standing out above them all with regards to the beautiful game, and that's transfers. The only word that matters in a football-less summer, a time where player's loyalties are thrown under the spotlight, a time where managers transform to children in sweet shops with a vast budget available, a time where unimaginable dreams could just become reality.
However for Brighton fans the dreams of new players isn't the only thought buzzing around, the aspirations of making the seemingly giant leap into the first tier of English football become that little bit more realistic as the club progresses into a new era. And that new era links back to the first thought, new players. As one player potentially leaves the club, it is not long before we fill that Murray-shaped gap with a new prospect, that in the shape of Will Hoskins.
The 25-year old from Nottingham put pen-to-paper for a 2-year deal with the Albion for an undisclosed fee, with reports suggesting the fee to be around £200k. The striker has been on Poyet's shortlist for a large chunk of the season after continuously impressing the Uruguyan with strong performances throughout the difficult League One campaign for his team Bristol Rovers, who finished 22nd in the league.
However it's clear that Rovers unsuccessful campaign was not the fault of the attack, and Hoskins still chipped in with 17 impressive goals throughout the season. Poyet's interest stretches back as far as last summer around this time where the Albion boss tried to bring Will into the club, but for a number of reasons the move never materialised. But Gus has now been united with his number-one target, and is hoping for a confident feel in Albion's attack as they push on for promotion in next year's nPower Championship.
Will is a very unique player, something that some clubs have had experience in dealing with before. He doesn't just have one job on the pitch, he will capably cover every blade of grass with his heart firmly on the badge throughout, always having the eye for a shot whether it be from two yards or twenty. His raw skill and flair enables him to make some defenders feel like Sunday League players with his precise touch and authentic dribbling.
Will's career started with Rotherham United who he joined through their Youth Academy in his teenage years. In 2003 aged just 17 he signed his first professional deal with The Millers to start what was at the time labelled a "promising football career." From this early stage in his career he was regarded as a strong striker who could consistently perform on his own or with a partner, never failing to impress then Rotherham boss Alan Knill.
But as his footballing career blossomed it wasn't only Knill he was impressing, the 2007-08 season brought a new club for Will as he signed for newly-promoted Premier League side, Watford, However he struggled to make an impact in his 3 seasons with the club, including two loan spells and only 60 appearances.
It was time for Will to make his name and a move to Bristol Rovers couldn't have come at a better time. The start of the 2010-11 nPower League One season saw Hoskins quickly establish himself as a fans favourite, even being compared to the likes of Rickie Lambert and Jason Roberts. But despite his impressive form, the Gas failed to live up to expectations and found themselves in relegation down to League Two.
After unsuccessful bids in January for the Nottinghamshire lad, Poyet saw this time as most appropriate to make the move, and with Hoskins reportedly setting his heart on moving to Brighton, Gus was more than happy to make his bid and sign his player.
From this it seemed both sides were extremely happy with the deal, and even me and fellow others who see things from the other side of the screen, are just as excited at bringing Will into the club. It's nice to finally have a breath of fresh air into our attack who has genuinely excited other fans over the season and always put a worry in the opposition's heads when he's in possession of the ball.
On the other hand, despite the growing optimism around the capture of Hoskins, there are a few underlying questions which still remain to be answered. With little experience in the second tier, is Will good enough to lead the Albion line and shoot us into promotion contention? Are we taking a massive risk or is he a worthwhile buy? And just what is going on with his hairdo?
As an Albion fan it is nice to see that we are finally attracting players who have a real interest in the club and our style of play, players who will be proud to wear the shirt as we enter our new era and new stadium, players who we know fore well will put on a show every week, rain, wind or shine.
Let's all pray for a solid season in which Will can really make a name for himself in the second tier where he will finally get a chance to expose his real talent to a big audience.
If you want to follow Will on Twitter, follow this link: www.twitter.com/hosky8
