Seagulls sign second loan star

Holywell-born defender James Graham, pictured, joined the Seagulls on Friday and could make his debut against Blyth Spartans on Saturday alongside another Toffees loanee, keeper Russell Griffiths who is set to return against joint league leaders Blyth Spartans after playing for England U20s in Germany in midweek.

Graham, a highly-rated 18-year-old, has represented Wales at various youth levels and has been with Everton since he was seven before signing his first professional contract with the Premier League club in July.

Seagulls vice-chairman Kurtis Chapman said: "I would like to thank Everton Football Club once again for allowing players they believe have very big futures in the game to come out on loan to us. In particular Everton U21s manager David Unsworth and Joe Royle who have both been brilliant in getting the deals through for James, Russ and Louis, and previously Connor Hunt.

"To have contacts with such a great club will only help any incoming manager and we are extremely grateful to them. It was also great for Joe Royle to come down to watch us against Skem on Tuesday night."

The managerless Seagulls are currently relying on senior players Rob Hopley and Mike Lea, along with former assistant manager Dan Nolan, to run the team while they continue their search for a new manager following last week's departure of Ash Hoskin from Llanelian Road.

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