Hart scored 45 league goals during his 13 years with Brighton

Ex-Brighton midfielder Gary Hart has thanked the club for inviting him back to play in the first game at the club's new Amex Stadium.

Hart, 34, was released by the Albion in May, and scored the first goal at the new ground as the Seagulls beat Eastbourne Borough 2-0 on Saturday.

He told BBC Sussex: "I scored the first ever goal at Withdean as well, so I've made the history books again.

"It was a nice bit of respect from the club to call me back."

He added: "I knew my number was up in January.

"I was a bit apprehensive about playing at first, but I thought I'd go for it. I'm just happy."

First-team coach Charlie Oatway played tribute to Hart, who played 417 games for the Seagulls during a 13-year spell at the club.

"The man deserves it - to get the goal, the pats on the back and the cheering afterwards," Oatway told BBC Sussex.

"The club wanted for him to play and he was desperate to play at the new stadium."

Hart, who has been training with Brighton while searching for a new club this summer, has hinted he may move to Eastbourne Borough.

"At this present second, nothing is sorted out," he continued. "But I haven't got a problem with going there."

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