EFL rules and rogue international tournament once scuppered Brighton loanees drastic move
Eleven years ago, Brighton announced the signing of a loanee on a 28-day deal.
31.10.25, 08:20 Updated 22.05.26, 14:52 3 Minute Read
Charlie Parker-Turner
It's October 31st 2014, Halloween. Strange things happen around the spooky season, 11 years ago was certainly no exception for Brighton. On this day, the Seagulls announced the signing of veteran goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi on a month-long stint. The following weeks would unfold a run of bizarre decisions from the Championship club which would leave their new signing as one of the most puzzling in the club’s recent history.
When starting goalkeeper David Stockdale suffered a broken finger in training, then-manager Sami Hyypiä was left with an urgent and crucial decision to be made. His side were winless in 11 games and now goalkeeper-less too: a new No. 1 was needed, and fast.
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Charlie Parker-Turner Editor