Hawkins (left) ended last season on loan at Chesterfield (Getty)

Brighton & Hove Albion have completed the signing of Coventry City defender Colin Hawkins on a two-year deal.

The out-of-contract 30-year-old, who was not offered a new deal by Coventry, will join on a free transfer on 1 July.

The former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international finished the season on loan at League Two side Chesterfield.

Hawkins told BBC Southern Counties Radio: "When I met Micky he was hugely influential - talks with all other clubs went out of my mind."

The former Shelbourne defender continued: "I wouldn't have come to the club unless we had a chance of getting up to the Championship.

"I'm just a simple defender - I take pride in keeping clean sheets and like to see myself as a winner. Hopefully I can bring a bit of leadership and experience, but the most important thing is to get in the team first."

Seagulls boss Micky Adams said: "He is a leader on the pitch. The influence he'll have, particularly on our young defenders, will be invaluable to us."