Andy Crosby is hoping to help restore the fortunes of another under-achieving club.

The former Albion centre-half believes Oxford's plight is similar to the one he confronted when he signed for the Seagulls.

Crosby moved to the south coast from Chester for £10,000 three summers ago.

Albion had just finished 17th in Division Three, one place higher than Oxford were occupying when he joined them this week on a free transfer.

"It's a similar situation to when I came to Brighton," Crosby said. "Oxford are bigger than a Third Division club.

"They have been through bad times for a few years and they have got off to a bad start this season, but the players are a lot better than the position suggests. Hopefully I can help turn things around and the club will take off again."

Crosby has been reunited at Oxford's sparkling new Kassam Stadium with ex-Doncaster colleague Ian Atkins.

The United boss has installed the 28-year-old as captain, a role he held at Chester.

Crosby will be leading out his new team-mates at the expense of an Albion colleague from last season.

Martin Thomas, on loan to the Seagulls from Swansea before joining Oxford, had ankle surgery just 24 hours before Crosby completed his move on a two-and-a- half year contract.

Crosby missed only ten League matches in his first season with the Seagulls. He made 34 appearances in last season's title triumph following the arrival of Matt Wicks as competition to partner Danny Cullip.

The writing was on the wall for him in the summer when Micky Adams signed Simon Morgan from Fulham.

Crosby, frustrated by a lack of first team opportunities, requested a transfer in September.

He turned down a loan switch to Cheltenham before accepting a permanent departure to Oxford more suited to his domestic circumstances. Wife Lorraine was born in Liverpool and they have a three-year-old daughter Emily.

"It was a hard decision, because I loved every minute with Brighton," said Crosby, who made the last of his 85 appearances in the LDV Vans Trophy exit at Cambridge United.

"They are a great group of players and the fans are superb, but I had to get away to start playing again.

"It was no good to me being stuck in the stands watching games and Oxford is two hours closer to home, which was another consideration. It's a lot easier to get back up north from there.

"I hope Brighton get promoted again. I've seen nothing to scare them so far if they carry on playing the way they are."