Jake Robinson will make his Whitehawk debut against former club Albion today.

The 26-year-old striker has signed a contract with Hawks ahead of their first ever season in Conference south.

And boss Darren Freeman, who has led a summer-long pursuit of Robinson, believes the former Seagull could make a huge impact at the Enclosed Ground.

Robinson came through the youth ranks at Albion, becoming the Seagulls’ youngest ever goalscorer when he netted in an LDV Vans Trophy tie with Forest Green Rovers in 2003 aged 16 years 355 days.

He went on to score 22 goals in 148 appearances – 73 as a substitute – before being released to join Shrewsbury in 2011.

After a loan spell at Torquay Robinson joined Northampton in 2011 but was released at the end of last season, having spent part of it on loan at Luton.

Robinson had offers to play higher than Blue Square Bet south next season but has been persuaded by Freeman to join the ambitious Hawks, who have achieved three promotions in the last four seasons.

Freeman said: “My attitude is if you don’t ask, you don’t get. I have targeted players this summer who some people would think would cost fortunes and wouldn’t join us but that is not always the case.

“Jake has been a professional footballer for a long time, firstly with Albion and then for a number of seasons away from Sussex.

“He has had offers from teams in the north this summer but he wanted to come back home where he could play week in, week out and start to enjoy his football again.”

Robinson increases the ex-Albion contingent at the Enclosed Ground.

He will be joined by fellow former Seagulls such as Tommy Fraser, Sam Gargan, Chris Winterton and Andy Pearson when Whitehawk provide the opposition for Oscar Garcia’s first game as Albion head coach today (3pm).

His signing also significantly increases the strength of a Whitehawk squad which has been boosted this summer by signings such as Richard Rose, Tom Cadmore, Lewis Taylor and Alex Parsons as well as the returning Fraser.

Freeman said: “Jake is a great player and will be a big asset to us as we go into the new season.

“We know he can score goals and potentially he can be prolific but we need to make sure we provide him with the service he needs to do what he is best at.”

There is limited parking at Whitehawk today when a big crowd is expected and fans driving to the game are advised to get there early or use public transport.