Brighton chairman pays this heartfelt tribute to Dale Stephens after Burnley switch

Brighton and Hove Albion chairman Tony Bloom praised the contribution of midfielder Dale Stephens as he completed his move to Premier League side Burnley
Dale Stephens played a key role in Brighton's rise to the Premier League and his consistent displays in the midfield helped establish Albion in the top flightDale Stephens played a key role in Brighton's rise to the Premier League and his consistent displays in the midfield helped establish Albion in the top flight
Dale Stephens played a key role in Brighton's rise to the Premier League and his consistent displays in the midfield helped establish Albion in the top flight

The 31-year-old returns to his native north west after more than six years at the Amex, where he has played a significant role, having made 223 appearances and scored 15 goals.

Stephens agreed a two-year with Sean Dyche's men, for a fee understood to be £1m, potentially rising to £2.5m.

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“Dale will always be remembered for the important role he has played in the recent history of our football club.

“He was key in both our promotion from the Championship and in establishing the club in the Premier League," said Bloom.

Albion fans will have great memories of Dale as a regular in the midfield in that promotion-winning campaign, and also for the way he comfortably adapted to life in the Premier League – where he has been a model of consistency.

“Thank you Dale for your contribution these past six-and-a-half years and be assured that you will always be welcome at the Amex.”

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Stephens arrived from Charlton Athletic in January 2014, having helped the Addicks to the League One title the previous season, and soon became a mainstay at the heart of the Seagulls’ midfield.

He went on to play a key role in the side’s promotion campaign of 2016/17, making 39 Championship appearances, and in three Premier League seasons he played 99 times, scoring once – against West Ham in January 2019.

Bolton-born, Stephens started out with Bury and made his professional debut against Peterborough in February 2007.

He joined Oldham the following year and also spent time on loan at Droylsden, Hyde United, Rochdale and Southampton – therefore holding the distinction of having played in every division from National League North to the Premier League.

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He signed off on the south coast having made just one appearance this season in the Carabao Cup, playing in the 4-0 win against Portsmouth a week ago.

"I'm very happy," Stephens told the Burnley website: "It's probably taken a few more years than expected but I'm happy to get it over the line this week and finally become a Burnley player.

"I've been away from the North-West for a while. It's nice to come back to where the family resides as well.

"But most importantly I'm coming back to a Premier League football club that's done well in recent years in this league and I'm excited for that challenge."

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Burnley have long been interested in Stephens, who added: "I'm probably a better player now than when Burnley tried to sign me initially, with the experience I've had over the last three years.

"I've probably learned a lot playing in this division for the last few years.

"Individually, I want to play as many games as I can at as a high a level as possible and, collectively, help us improve as a team and finish as high as we can in the Premier League."

Albion head coach Graham Potter said, “The number of appearances Dale has made for the club speaks volumes for his contribution to the team over recent seasons.

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“He has been a model professional throughout my time at the club and, as one of the more senior members of our squad, he has been a great influence and example to the younger players coming through.

“We have fantastic competition for the midfield positions and with Dale’s desire to play regularly, this represents a good move for both the club and Dale; he leaves with our thanks and very best wishes for the future.”