Brighton forward Glenn Murray has joined Championship club Watford on a season-long loan.
Murray has been the club’s highest goalscorer in the post-war era, with 111 strikes to his name across his two spells on the south coast.
Brighton manager Graham Potter told the club website: “It is understandable that Glenn would like to play regular football at this stage of his career and this move gives him that opportunity with Watford.”
Potter added: “He could easily have stayed here, been part of the squad and we would have been very happy to have his experience and his personality within the dressing room – but we could not guarantee him regular football.
“He makes the move with our full blessing and best wishes.
“Glenn has been outstanding for this football club, a great pro and pleasure to work with. He quite rightly has earned legend status here.”
Potter added: “He will always be welcome back here at the club, at the training ground and the Amex, and I am sure the fans will look forward to showing their appreciation at some point in the future.”
The 41-year-old had been with the club since the summer of 2016, primarily coaching the Hornets’ under-23 side.
Chairman Scott Duxbury said in a statement: “Hayden represented the club with great dignity in difficult circumstances.
“His popularity among the first-team playing squad was typical of the respect he earned from all parts of the club during his time here.
“We all wish him every success for the future.”
