ALBION manager Brian Horton has shored up his defence by signing the cultured Ian Culverhouse.

The veteran former Norwich and Swindon player trained with the Seagulls today and is poised to make his debut in the Worthington Cup against Northampton tomorrow night.

Culverhouse was contacted by Horton's assistant Geoff Wood after playing for Conference newcomers Kingstonian in their 2-0 home win against Hereford on Saturday.

"Geoff and Brian have laid it on the line," said Culverhouse. "I've got a month to try and get a contract under my belt. Hopefully, I can help Brighton out and they can help me in return."

Culverhouse knows Albion keeper Mark Walton from their time together at Norwich, but he is entering new territory in terms of the playing level.

"When I first went to Swindon I had a year in the Second Division, but this will be my first venture into the Third Division," he added.

"I'm looking forward to it. It's a very hard league. I have watched a few games and there are some strong sides in it, so I know it's going to be a battle."

Horton said: "He is an experienced player. I've seen a lot of him. He was at Norwich for a long time, then he did a good job at Swindon."

The classy Culverhouse, 34 next month and a former England youth international, made well over 300 appearances for Norwich before moving to Swindon three and a half years ago.

A good reader of the game, he was often employed as a sweeper by the Wiltshire club.

Culverhouse missed the start of last season with an ankle injury. He was transfer listed by Swindon in March, then freed under the Bosman ruling.

He has turned down a couple of League clubs since then and has been playing for non-League Kingstonian.

Horton has acted quickly to strengthen his side at the back following Saturday's 2-2 home draw against Chester.

Graeme Atkinson was re-signed on a two-month contract yesterday.

"I've only been happy with one out of our three performances so far," said the Albion boss.

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