HAVING FOUND FIRST team opportunities hard to come by at Brighton, Richie Towell has joined Rotherham United on a season-long loan, subject to EFL, FA and Premier League ratification.
The former Dundalk midfielder’s chances have been limited at the Amex Stadium since arriving in January 2016, but a last-minute deal before the window shut last night will see him play in League One for the rest of the 2017/18 season.
Towell made just one single league appearance for Brighton last year as they won promotion to the Premier League and Chris Hughton said back in May that the Dubliner would be sent out on loan.
Having been frustrated by a series of injury setbacks and a lack of game time since moving to England, Towell now has the chance to play regular first team football following a move which Hughton said benefits all three parties.
“Richie wants to play regularly and this is an ideal opportunity for him to do that. It’s a move that benefits all three parties: the player, ourselves and Rotherham,” the Brighton boss said.
“Richie is a great professional that always works hard in training, and this will provide him with the opportunity to play regular first-team matches.”
Managed by Paul Warne, Rotherham are hoping to push for promotion back to the second tier this term, although they sit 19th after four games.
After getting the deal across the line just before 11pm on Thursday, Warne said Towell is a player he’d been tracking for some time.
“I am absolutely delighted to be able to bring Richie to the club,” he commented.
“He is a player I have looked at for a long time, after we made a concerted effort to bring him here in January. He has been on my radar ever since, and I am honoured that he has agreed to come and join us.
“What attracted him to me was his unbelievable energy. He falls into the type of player that I want here, and I know he will embrace the opportunity.
“By opting to leave Brighton, he has shown a real desire to go and play and I think he will fit right in with the way we want to play.
“He comes from a good background, and was wanted by a number of clubs when he left Ireland to sign for Brighton.
“We feel he will be a good fit for us.”
Meanwhile, Ezequiel Schelotto and goalkeeper Tim Krul have arrived to add experience to Brighton’s squad as they look to survive in the top-flight.
The 28-year-old right-back, an Argentina-born Italy international with one cap to his name, signed a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee with the Seagulls, who become his ninth club.
Dutch international Krul arrives from Newcastle United on a season-long loan.
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