Brighton need new striker to avoid relegation, ex-BHA forward says

Brighton lost 3-1 to Bournemouth in the Premier League last night.

Brighton and Hove Albion need to sign a striker in January or risk being sucked into the relegation zone - that is the view of one of the club's iconic former strikers.

Gordon Smith, who played more than 100 times, scoring 22 goals for BHA, told Love Sport Radio that he thinks his former club might even have to look at some strikers in the leagues below just to find someone who can stick the ball in the back of the net. 

Smith said: "This is a crucial period [for Brighton].

"They had Villa and Bournemouth, now they’ve got West Ham and Watford. Look at the results.

"They should have won on Saturday but didn’t take their chances. They lost two points there.

"And last night to go to Bournemouth and lose comfortably against a team they recently beat - it’s a worrying time for Brighton. No doubt about that.

"You have to win these games - it’s a six pointer. These are crucial games. The next two are very important - West Ham and Watford.

"The main thing is to find someone who can put the ball in the back of the net.

"They might need to go to a lower division but if they don’t sort that out between now and the end of the season then they’re going to be in trouble."

Brighton gave their Manager, Graham Potter, a contract extension until 2025, just six months after appointing the former Swansea boss.

At the time, Brighton released a statement from Chairman Tony Broom saying: "We've been really pleased with the start Graham has made as head coach since joining us in the summer.

"I'm delighted he and his staff have committed to these new long-term contracts.

"Together with his backroom team, he has continued the club's progress of recent years and brought a different approach with a new style of play, which has been embraced by players and supporters alike."

But Smith is less optimistic. He told Love Sport Breakfast: "I think there could be a regret.

"We were surprised at the time that a manager could get that length of contract in the short time he’s been there.

"They were in the top half of the table at that point but if you give a manager that length of contract you must have great faith in him.

"Watford, Bournemouth and West Ham…there’s only two points in it and Brighton could be dragged into the relegation zone. That’s a worry.

"I’m worried about them. Their biggest problem is the goalscoring element of it. Maupay is their top scorer and hasn’t scored in eight games.

"Maybe bring Glenn Murray back in. But they certainly have to bring in a striker before the window ends."

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