Noone scored four goals in 21 appearances for Plymouth this season

Brighton & Hove Albion have signed winger Craig Noone from cash-strapped League One rivals Plymouth Argyle for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal and will join the Seagulls on 1 January, although not in time to face Leyton Orient.

Argyle are under pressure to sell in order to pay off their £760,000 tax bill to HM Revenue and Customs.

Albion needed a left-footed winger after Kazenga LuaLua broke his leg.

Plymouth face the threat of being wound up in the new year if they fail to clear their tax bill before their next date at the High Court on 9 February.

Peter Ridsdale, who has taken on the role of football consultant at Plymouth, told BBC Spotlight that the club would not be disclosing the size of the fee.

"Let's just say that in the current climate for a player who would be out of contract in the summer it is acceptable to us and to Brighton," said Ridsdale.

"In the current situation that we find ourselves in cash is king, and therefore we need the cash in to pay our creditors."

Noone, who joined the Pilgrims from Southport in August 2008, had been one of Plymouth's key players this season.

"Craig will be a big loss," said Argyle boss Peter Reid. "He opens up defences and he will be missed.

"I'd love him to stay but the most important thing is this football club getting through this difficult situation."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version