Reds sign former Arsenal defender on emergency loan

The former Arsenal centre back, who joined the Seagulls back in 2013, goes straight into the League Two side’s squad for tomorrow’s home clash with high-flying Plymouth Argyle.

The 20-year-old has been a regular in Brighton’s under-21 team this season and had had loan spells in the National Conference with Dartford, for whom he appeared 12 times last season, and Braintree Town, where he had four games at the start of the current campaign.

He is yet to make a competitive first-team appearance for Brighton, although he did feature in their pre-season games against Lewes, Aberdeen, Gillingham and the Reds.

Manager Mark Yates said: “I’ve seen Tom a few times and been impressed. I think he’s got all the attributes to be a good central defender and this is the next step up for him having had a taste of senior football in the National League.

“I’d like to thank Chris Hughton and (Brighton U-21 manager) Simon Rusk for agreeing to let us have him.”

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