Solly March has established himself as a Brighton & Hove Albion player after a remarkable rise from Non-League football. The versatile Gulls winger has made over 200 appearances at the Amex after signing from Lewes in 2011.
However, March could have been lining up in black and white, rather than blue and white. The 28-year-old was invited to St. James' Park by Alan Pardew, but passed out before setting foot on the pitch.
The then 17-year-old was overcome by nerves, but was given a second chance to showcase his talents. Brighton would beat the Magpies to his signature.
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“There were a few clubs interested and Newcastle came in,” March told Brighton’s official website. “They are a big club and I went up there at the age of 17.
“I don’t really know what happened but I just got ill. I was in the car going up there and I passed out in the morning.
“I didn’t sleep well the night before and it just happened. It was bizarre – it only lasted a few seconds. I missed the trial and was supposed to go back up there for another one but by that time Brighton came in and it was the right thing to do for me being a local boy.”
Nonetheless, March has no regrets and believes signing for Brighton was the ‘right thing to do’. He added: “What’s happened was probably for the best - staying local with Brighton definitely gave me more of a chance of making it.
“It was the right thing do - it’s worked out well so far and hopefully it stays that way."
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