Paul Reid today revealed the extraordinary twist of fate behind his deadline-beating move to Albion.

The 24-year-old Australian midfielder was picked out by chairman Dick Knight playing against the Seagulls' recent capture Chris Iwelumo from Stoke.

Bradford team-mate Michael Standing, Knight's great nephew and a former Albion schoolboy, recommended the club to Reid and he has joined the promotion bid after a two-match trial in the reserves.

Reid completed his free transfer move from Bradford for the rest of the season hours before yesterday's 5pm transfer deadline.

The playmaker from Sydney, likely to be on the bench at Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow, said: "The chairman and Dean White (reserve coach) were actually looking at Chris Iwelumo when I played for Bradford's reserves against Stoke.

"He (Knight) spoke to Michael and said he was impressed with the No. 4, which was me!

"Michael lived around the corner from me up there and we became very good friends. He sold the club to me, but you have got to experience it yourself and I have been impressed with the whole set-up.

"I am very positive about the move. I've come down here to play games and if I impress I am hoping to secure a contract for next season as well. But the main priority is to play and get Brighton promoted."

Manager Mark McGhee has signed Reid predominantly as cover for central midfielders Charlie Oatway and Richard Carpenter, who faces a two-match suspension if he is booked again in any of Seagulls next three matches.

Meanwhile, McGhee today branded top-scorer Leon Knight "irresponsible and immature" for re-igniting his feud with Sheffield Wednesday manager, Chris Turner.

Knight, who had an unhappy loan spell at Hillsborough last season, claimed Turner has only himself to blame for Wednesday's struggles this season.

McGhee said: "I told him immediately after the game last week that he should keep his head down, appreciate that Wednesday gave me an opportunity and forget about them and go back there to do his best for us.

"Instead, I am led to understand, although I've not seen it myself, that he has been making comments, which I think is irresponsible and immature.

"Leon has got to learn not to worry about other people. The last thing we need is Leon Knight turning the Sheffield Wednesday crowd against us."