Waddock told BBC Southern Counties Radio:"Of course it's a blow. We've lost a talented player.

"It gives a chance to someone else either inside the club or outside."

Waddock has also ended all speculation about a move for Woking defender Tom Hutchinson, admitting: "I've got no interest in him, good player as he is."

As for the loss of Dixon, Aldershot chairman John McGinty says the club win on two fronts.

"His contract would have ended in June, and he could have walked away," said McGinty. "And it's unfair to block the lad's progress to League One."

Waddock also confirmed that funds from the deal will be made available if required.

"Time is against us a bit," he said. "But I don't blame Brighton for that.

"Danny Hilton has put himself in the frame, and we've still got leading scorer John Grant."