GUY Butters’ six-year stay at Gillingham ended late yesterday when he joined Division 1 rivals Brighton on a free transfer.

The move ended Brighton’s month-long pursuit of the centre-back who came close to signing for the Seagulls earlier this month before the deal collapsed following his failure to agree personal terms.

He signed a two-year contract and goes straight into the side for Saturday’s match against his old club Portsmouth at Fratton Park.

While Butters is looking forward to playing regular first team football for Brighton, he left Priestfield with mixed emotions.

He said: “At this stage of my career I need to be playing regularly and Brighton is a lot closer to my home near Portsmouth, so I’m pleased the move has gone through.

“But I'm sorry to be leaving Gillingham because I’ve had some great times in my six years at the club.

“I regret I was unable to say cheerio to the lads and the management staff yesterday but I’ll be seeing them on September 14 when Brighton play Gillingham. I would also like to thank the Gillingham fans who were so good to me.”

Gillingham have received an allocation of just 756 tickets for the match at Brighton and these are on sale now to season ticket holders and Priestfield Club members.