91Èȱ¬

Former Brighton striker Adam Virgo believes Glenn Murray's return is a big boost to the club's promotion hopes.

The Seagulls, beaten in last season's Championship play-offs, have signed forward Murray, 32, on a season-long loan from Bournemouth.

He previously scored 53 league goals in 118 appearances in a three-and-a-half-year spell at Brighton, when he played alongside Virgo.

"This is a signing I've been calling out for," Virgo told 91Èȱ¬ Sussex.

"I just think you need that Championship quality and Glenn certainly provides that.

"He is one of those players that doesn't look bothered - he's very laid-back.

"But he does have this aggressive manner about him in the 18-yard box. He's strong, he's physical and he's good in the air."

Brighton, then managed by Gus Poyet, sold Murray to Crystal Palace in 2011 after his 22 goals helped them win the League One title.

He made 125 appearances for the south London club, scoring 47 goals, before joining Bournemouth last summer.

"I don't think he ever wanted to leave Brighton first time around," said Virgo, who left the Seagulls in 2010.

"When he left, I think he just had a disagreement with Gus Poyet and unfortunately a player never wins over a manager.

"I think he's shown since he's been gone the quality he's got. He scored 31 goals for Palace when they got promoted to the Premier League."

Meanwhile, Albion have appointed Michelle Walder, chief executive and co-founder of business consultancy firm TXG, as a non-executive director.

Chairman Tony Bloom said: "We are all looking forward to working with her as we further develop our club."