The unusual reason why Newcastle United didn’t sign £6.7m-rated Brighton star

Brighton and Hove Albion winger Solly March has revealed how close he came to joining Newcastle United in 2011.

The 28-year-old has made over 250 appearances since beginning his senior career with the South Coast club 12 years ago - but it might have been very different.

During his days at non-league side Lewes, March travelled to Tyneside after being offered a trial by then-Magpies boss Alan Pardew. However, events took an unfortunate turn when he fell ill.

“It didn’t go well,” March explained. I remember looking around and the next day I was going to training but I passed out in the car and didn’t get to training.

“I guess going home I thought: ‘Maybe that was my chance gone’, or ‘what’s going to happen?’ You only get once chance in football. “

March was invited back to the North East for another trial but by that time he had already been approached by Brighton.

“Luckily enough Brighton came in for me,” he continued. “If I signed for Newcastle I don’t think it would have gone as well so maybe it was a blessing in disguise.

“It wouldn’t have suited me to go so far away from home at that age, maybe it happened for a reason. Thinking of moving away to Newcastle was probably a bit too much for me at that age.”

March won’t feature at St James’ Park tomorrow night (kick-off 8pm) because of a hamstring injury.

Get the latest Newcastle United headlines with our free football newsletter! Follow the action from St James’ Park and beyond as we bring the sport news to you. Visit our website here to sign up.