Murray returns to Championship on Bournemouth loan

Matt Stead

Glenn Murray has returned to Brighton on a season-long loan deal from Bournemouth.

The 32-year-old striker, who previously spent four years with the Seagulls, helping the south-coast club reach the Sky Bet Championship with his 22 goals in the 2010-11 campaign, joined Bournemouth from Crystal Palace last September.

He made 10 Barclays Premier League appearances, scoring three goals as Cherries secured their top-flight status, but has now opted to link up with Chris Hughton at the Amex Stadium.

Speaking from a pre-season training camp in Tenerife, the Seagulls boss told the club’s official website: “Everyone at the club, and the supporters, know what Glenn will offer us. He is a real attacking presence who can lead the line, he’s powerful in the air, and his goalscoring record speaks for itself.

“He is a different type of striker to those we have got at the club already and will give us an extra option going forward.

“Most importantly he knows the Championship well, he knows how to score goals at this level and what it takes to get out of this division.

“The move has been a long time in the making and the recruitment department has done an excellent job to finally get the deal over the line.

“He is a proven goalscorer and an excellent addition to the squad.”

Brighton avoided defeat in their opening 21 league games last season but come May they had failed to beat Middlesbrough or Burnley to a top-two spot in the Championship. They were subsequently beaten by Sheffield Wednesday in the play-offs.