Graham Potter sends classy message to Dan Burn after joining Newcastle United

Graham Potter has sent a classy message to Dan Burn following the defender’s £13million move to Newcastle United.

Blyth-born Burn departs the Amex Stadium four years after he joined the South Coast club from Wigan Athletic.

The 29-year-old made 85 appearances for the Seagulls and leaves on extremely good terms.

Potter admitted he’d miss Burn but wished him well as he re-joins his boyhood club on a two-and-a-half-year contract.

‘We will miss here’

Potter said: “We were not actively looking to sell Dan during this window, but the transfer represents a very good transfer for our club and the player.

“Newcastle are Dan’s boyhood club, and this move allows him to potentially play out the rest of his career at his home club.

“Ever since I have been at the club, Dan has been brilliant for me. He is a superb professional, adaptable and a great character on and off the pitch.

“We will miss him here, but we understand his reasons for wanting to move and he goes with our thanks and very best wishes for the future.”

Dan Burns bids farewell to Brighton

Burn, quoted on Brighton’s official website, said: “It has been a fantastic three years with Brighton & Hove Albion.

“The transfer came as a surprise. I had no desire to leave, but the opportunity to join my hometown club Newcastle United was the only way I would have wanted to leave. While I am excited to begin this new chapter, I am also sad to be ending another.

“As I said, Newcastle were the only club who could have tempted me away. My wife and I grew up in the north-east and our families are both from the area, and as a boy I was a season-ticket holder at St James’ Park.

“I am sure any football fan will appreciate that’s a hard call to ignore but, second to Newcastle United, Brighton & Hove Albion, the city and those associated with the club will always have a special place in my heart.

“My focus now is on doing a good job for Newcastle United, but I wish Brighton all the very best for the future.”