Albion fan Billie Clark has made a dream come true - by signing for the club.

The 17-year-old forward has joined the Seagulls’ academy after a trial.

He grew up supporting the club and has been playing of late for Isthmian League outfit Whitehawk.

He is the first Hawks player to move directly to Albion since defender Stuart Tuck as a 16-year-old back in 1991.

Clark has progressed this term since boss Ross Standen got him training regularly with the first team.

Tuck himself is also part of the club’s management set-up.

Clark thrived in senior football.

Standen said: “This resulted in him getting more game time and doing very well in a short period.

“He then had pro clubs looking at him after he was selected for the England Colleges and Schools squads.

“All that hard work and dedication has now paid off.

“Billie is a confident lad, but very humble with a great work ethic.”

Clark has scored two goals for Hawks this season and was called into Albion squads at under-18 and 23 level. as they took a look at him.

Whitehawk chairman Andy Schofield said: “Everyone at the club is delighted for Billie.

“This is a dream come true for him and his family, who always believed he had the talent to make it into full-time football.

“It is brilliant that the Hawks have played a part in his development and shows that if you have the skill and determination to succeed, then playing Isthmian League football for us is good preparation for taking the next step.”

Clarke, who is from Patcham, was an Albion season-ticket holder.

The only other player to leave Hawks directly for a top-tier club was right-back Derek Tharme, who joined Spurs as a 16-year old in 1956 and went on to be part of the first team squad that won the league and cup double in 1961.