Stephen Ward joins Brighton as Gordon Greer signs new deal

Image source, Empics

Brighton & Hove Albion have signed Wolves left-back Stephen Ward on a season-long loan deal, while captain Gordon Greer has signed a new contract.

Republic of Ireland international Ward, 28, joined Wolves from Bohemians in 2007 and played 44 times last season.

Centre-back Greer has signed a new two-year deal with the Championship club.

The 32-year-old Scot has made 129 appearances for the Seagulls since moving to Sussex

"One of my targets when I arrived here was to keep Gordon here because he is the captain and a leader," Brighton head coach Oscar Garcia said.

"He is a very important player for this season."

Meanwhile, the Spaniard expects Ward to plug a gap first-team squad.

Brighton had been looking for a left-sided defender after Wayne Bridge joined Reading following a season-long loan at the Amex Stadium last season and Marcos Painter was released in the summer.

The Seagulls did sign Adam Chicksen from MK Dons, but the 22-year-old is yet to feature in the new campaign due to injury.

"From the first day we arrived here we knew we needed a left-back," said Garcia.

"Stephen can help us a lot and he can also play as a winger. We are happy that Stephen has joined and he is fit enough to play."