Paul Watson is considering moving abroad to continue his football career.

The injury-plagued defender was released by Albion last week.

Sussex-based Watson, 30, had been with the Seagulls for six years and now feels ready to uproot.

Watson, from Hastings, who has been in English football for 13 years, said: "I like the idea of playing abroad.

"I have spoken to players who have done it and they have thoroughly enjoyed it.

"I've got family in Sussex but they understand it is my career and would support me wherever I went. I am not one of these people who has to stay close to home.

"I am willing to go anywhere. I have got bills to pay, like everybody else, and you don't earn enough to retire on at the level I've been used to.

"I have had a few phone calls from League clubs, don't want to say what level, who might be interested and I'll weigh things up.

"But going abroad appeals because it is something I have never done before."

Watson revealed he is now fit after 18 months, on and off, of injury nightmares, chiefly knee and neck problems.

He was limited to 15 League games in 2003-4 and made just one start, against Watford, in the season just finished after being sidelined at the start with his neck injury.

He said: "I am fit again. I was back training at the end of the season. I will make sure I am 100 per cent fit by the time pre-season comes around.

"It has been a long haul back, horrible to be on the sidelines while I was injured and when I was fit and out of the team.

"I was flying in pre-season when I had to have an operation on my neck.

"It took a few months to get over it and while I was out Paul Reid did exceptionally well at rightback which meant I had to bide my time. I got on here and there and made my one start.

"At least I can't blame myself for any of the injuries I have had. It wasn't like I didn't warm up properly and pulled a hamstring."

Watson insisted he never considered quitting because of the setbacks.

He said: "It never crossed my mind even though I was very down. I always wanted to play again."

Watson was told he was surplus to requirements by manager Mark McGhee last Friday.

He said: "People might have thought the writing was on the wall but I kept on hoping in the back of my mind that I'd get a deal. The manager gave me hope five or six weeks ago, telling me that there might be a chance.

"But in the end he had to make a decision which was best for the club. With the financial position, they need everyone who is there able to play. Also people have to make way if new players come in.

"I have no complaints. If I'd have been playing regularly for the past 18 months I'm sure I would have been given another contract."

Watson looks back on the six years he spent with Albion fondly.

He said: "I had some great times, winning two championships in two years was pretty special. I managed around 200 games for them. I'm proud of that."

Watson is delighted Albion were successful in their bid to survive in the Championship for a second season. He said: "I was willing them to stay up along with everyone else."

Then he gave them a message of support for next season.

He said: "I wish the manager, the chairman, the fans and everyone else connected with the club the very best of luck and thank them all the backing they gave me."