Claridge makes comeback

Steve Claridge has signed a one-month playing contract with Brighton.

The deal completes an unlikely return to professional football following his sacking as manager of Weymouth earlier in the season.

"It feels like I'm home, in a way, to be back playing professional football," Claridge told Brighton's official website.

"It's only been a year but I've missed it, and I can't thank Mark enough for giving me the opportunity to prove that I can still do a job at this level."

Mark McGhee admitted he was excited by the prospect of rekindling his relationship with Claridge.

"Steve did fantastically for me at Millwall and is a very fit guy who knows the job and can help us out in the short term," said McGhee.